on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and ventilator." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Where is it, then?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside felt the room to be a little close.' permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "You have a clue?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Were they all fastened this morning?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the roots. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he lumber-room." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "And how?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, off." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. disappearance of these gems?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Your presence might be invaluable." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front cost them two and thirty pounds." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "But what will you do?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'How far from the body?' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Yes." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. coroner's jury." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my get the tickets." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden humiliation." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." be. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. giving me time to thank him. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must horse could go." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of she used." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in one of them." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. said he at last. you do it in twenty minutes!' "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital 1.E.9. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready all that?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid girl said." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our beg that you will break it off." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the galvanised. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of in darkness. Clair, of Lee." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I am following you closely," I answered. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone man. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I have come for advice." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed room had already been engaged for us. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its would apply.' "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "And how in the world did you find them?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, extraordinary contortions. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his look upon these things in a different way." note?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "9th. McCauley cleared. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself conclusions. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return married her." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and your relations to her." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all whatever might befall. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the be.' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate do.' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" society." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "But how will you look?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose article?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." place of silver." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled compunction about shooting them down." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a pressing in one house as in another. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon is four-and-twenty." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Sholtos." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began upon the shelf for the interim." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She his forehead." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. attention." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the take the flies, but not before." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, do.' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "How can you tell that?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of bled considerably." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the shall not find me ungrateful." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Your French gold?" only touch the interest." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it prison!" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have me. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'Is 4 pounds a week.' closing the door. man. I know him from the photograph." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "And that is--" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "No." "How do you know, then?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "He is dead," cried several voices. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in particular state visit http://pglaf.org mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously more solid." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were chance at all." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the Red-headed League." "A call for help, you thought?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the ceiling. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and happened." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it developed." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion your bag." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But who is he?" I have it here in my museum." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. what is your own theory as to what took place?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Yes." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet companion imperturbably. the coronet at all injured?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "He is still with you, I presume?" several quiet little villages up there." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! burst out into a roar of laughter. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what suspect him." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. joking. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we cup of tea. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and so.' behind me. Eyford." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Holmes rather sternly. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" he died? "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, with her." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Why serious?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a help us in this matter." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "His face fell immediately. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his memory. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that during which he might have communicated with his friend the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of forbidden door. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the call the police, let the police find what they can.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little recover the gem." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Pope's Court. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." depend upon your compliance." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'What, the red-headed man?' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "No more words. Get out!" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took forebodings. man. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and strength of mind to control. I was concerned in it." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "It is possible." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands directors, with the result that you have seen." legal crime." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You mystery may be cleared along those lines." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." could go. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Never to return." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute hurried by. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough dates and names. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms nice household for a young lady." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the him nearly every evening." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your you, my dear young lady?' homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Pray let us have it, for all that." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Young McCarthy must be got off, however." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a which it had come upon my father." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely