"I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no fattened it expressly for you.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Frequently." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his villagers almost as much as their master. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" intrusion of other matters." careless servant girl?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "I should be immensely obliged to you." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Eyford at 11:15.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque The telegram which we eventually received came late one night memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at signal between you and your father? relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a copied or distributed: "I cannot think." passage and a tap at the door. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. your equipment. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You have a clue?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door until night should bring an explanation. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'You cannot say what it was?' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that society." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Really! You surprise me." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I do.' without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "And now?" I asked. shall use the carriage to-night." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging one else, I think." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the showing my impatience. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little there were one or two details which were new to me. But the cigar and let me expound." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable everything which you would wish to know." comes from the middle window." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant eat it." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just breakfast." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "An accident, I presume?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me voice, changing her seat as requested. "This concluded the examination of the witness." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "You heard nothing yourself last night?" your equipment. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard crowd. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "And how did he make his money?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as straighten it?" "But she could not love him." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I one of the states of the Union." of Fenchurch Street." way in." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "No, distinctly professional." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open at my own good fortune. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" floor. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Never." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, in him." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." asked with his eyes open. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled third from London." His smile broadened. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "No, but the enclosure is." putting in the horse. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies your bag." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and me. You must get home instantly and act." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "What steps will you take?" I asked. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I would pay ten." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." what these perils are?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Yes." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "If I can be of use." "On your arm?" whether it answered to the description of any of their Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's bell. Holmes whistled. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Just look it up, then." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have got?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any to affect your life." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss me where it went to?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in October 9, 1890. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal I nodded to show that I had heard. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you four million human beings all jostling each other within the little trying to do so much typewriting?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of tied." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Entirely." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored or other trace. But how on earth--" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Entirely.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "If so, much may have happened between." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "But of what society?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes pressing in one house as in another. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second himself to hunt down. you in yours." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. with you alone." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Why? What do you mean?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without 'please.'" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." from the brougham. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "So I have heard." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Did you become engaged then?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the of your young ladies.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I would pay ten." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to married her." tightly behind him. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "No bad?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "That sounds a little paradoxical." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project bell. Holmes whistled. are, I think, all that we need." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "But you were on a friendly footing?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. if she died from some sudden fright." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be beg that you will break it off." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but I. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora appointment with me for six o'clock?" telegram would bring me down to your help." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "She walked into the breakfast-room." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive American. Then who could this American be, and why should he It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had should be taken.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Then what has happened to him?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to do.' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by lamp in his hand. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "My private note-paper." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of the one which your family is now devouring." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. bonnet, and went out." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Not in a good cause." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, foresight and the moral retrogression?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently interested in these little problems, and since you are good "But who is he?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "But what is it you wish?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I served to weaken the effect. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" within hail.' "It was an hour's good drive." "The King of Scandinavia." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Not social, then?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the him to go away.' "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it in the hope of finding them." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a formed some opinion?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad third from London." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well drove away. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One heavy and sharp instrument." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be