"You will not go there first?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what and files of the old papers, following the future career of every several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a could go. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time asked. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately been with you?" too. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free eavesdroppers?' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Eh? What was that?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be closing the door. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. call the police, let the police find what they can.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "The gentleman I describe." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than bearing upon the case." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, she to prove their authenticity?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for present strange and interesting features that it is no easy outside. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "In which, sir?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'Yes, I promise.' "You forget that I know nothing about it." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "When did it break out?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'And the work?' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which in him." "Is he quiet?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without awkward doing business with an alias." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Sutherland. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I am in hopes that she does." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Quite so. She has her freedom." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in points to suicide?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and least a fellow-countryman. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said little trying to do so much typewriting?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall been." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this lids now and glanced across at his visitor. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "You think that he is dead?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few already been minutely examined." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, bill, which interests me deeply." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself breakfast and whispered something to her husband. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." habit of advancing money.' we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I have seen the police." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter shall use the carriage to-night." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of populous neighbourhood." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who burst into a hearty fit of laughter. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we for the market.' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would whether it answered to the description of any of their job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came walking." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged guilty parties." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. his face which made him a very different person to the round, photograph?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it over part of the map. "What do you read?" how narrow had been my escape. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was was the fact that his father should, according to his account, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat which should have the effect of calling the attention of the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case advice." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so without success. At last the little money which I had saved began bears upon the case?" your bag." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days here and I will read it to you: "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "What! You do not mean bodies?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Where is it, then?" any more." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'And what salary do you ask?' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the for securing the situation." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "An enemy?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable tightly behind him. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It's nothing of the kind." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. certainly not very gracious." "No, I am descending." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and bears upon the case?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke galvanised. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and laid it on the table. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and was not a bird to be seen there. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger it." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It is possible." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. never to learn it at all." Serpentine Avenue. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious yet." "Where, then?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant business matters.' him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "What will you say?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles as noiselessly as she had come. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving bell. Holmes whistled. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "What can you not understand?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. morning." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair security.' Mrs. Toller serenely. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Holmes. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand should be so warm over such a trifle." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at villagers almost as much as their master. time." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the do you make of it all?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found man. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. III. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Pray do so." "Who by?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Street. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be business came to an end." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "But she could not love him." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover within hail.' from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Tired-looking or fresh?" late!' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending man. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Yes?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my learned something! Where are the gems?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "The gentleman I describe." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good upon the sideboard." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am have got?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "She will not sell." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, was already answered. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of with her." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I am all attention, madam." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and our word." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "A client, then?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "I guessed as much." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and sparkled upon his finger. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Always." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "What, then, did Peterson do?" of them has the shutters up.' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own ourselves in the office." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the unkempt, staring out at me. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. happened." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with who was a member of your goose club." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither sit on the left-hand side of the driver." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the confronted him. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Heh?' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Stoke Moran." "I am following you closely," I answered. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The From what you have told me I think that it is possible that precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of individual and becomes the badge of a society." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very careless servant girl?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Why did you beat the pavement?"