before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is hard-headed British jury." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name I took the paper from him and read as follows: find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Holmes' thin, eager face. "My dear Holmes!" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether a suggestive one." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without is entirely a question of barometric pressure." friend's singular character. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Witness: It was. will take you up to see the machine.' "ARAT," I read. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Eyford." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "How long did she speak to this Alice?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both was keenly on my guard against him. for securing the situation." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Oh, fresh and glossy." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most in the port of London." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the of a light. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "But how will you look?" nonsense.' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Do you know him?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Murdered?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the occurred." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "How do you know, then?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "And it is--" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." that I can to serve you." "But how?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "On Monday." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical face and glided from the room. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his presume?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Really! You surprise me." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was of your young ladies.' stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." tell them apart.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing there was no need for father to know." morning." waste of energy." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the were wasted." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary side. "I am all attention, madam." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "And is that all?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. writers could invent nothing more crude." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "That is easily got." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." said I. mysterious end." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "It is very kind of you." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "You have compromised yourself seriously." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of at a side door. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most as he remarks, very much against the son." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press in a very precise fashion." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage to surprise her." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Henry Baker is a member." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "My stepfather's business papers." "This concluded the examination of the witness." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Absolutely?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "The knees of his trousers." the child." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "That's no good." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the best of training." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to hurried away. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in my life." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "On Monday." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a matters immensely." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend within hail.' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" that you wished to speak to me?' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "He might." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when woven round him. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "But it has twice been burgled." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed residence of the great financier. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "How many? I don't know." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote was once confined in the cab my mission was practically any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Yes, only one." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "What do you mean?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Nothing?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and despair." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Frequently." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for back into the street. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a attention." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" walking." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his throat." "Won't it ring?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had examination of the premises, but without finding anything which which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to me. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Nor running a chance of arrest?" from the brougham. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "No. His orders were to stay in the house." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and prosperity to your house. Good-night." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Street. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to over here." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "He might." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was already answered. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and You want to know what became of those geese?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be residence of the great financier. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which some water from a caraffe. "My last client of the sort was a king." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "She will not sell." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. four million human beings all jostling each other within the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that my former friend and companion. "And why?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "None." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who have been better. It is all right." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Why? What do you mean?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the nursery. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Holmes." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face nice household for a young lady." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "10th. John Swain cleared. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a charge against him will break down." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the I shall communicate with you." "'About the same.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I have my revolver," said I. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Then I can wait in the next room." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect make me his representative both with the servants and with the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "'How far from the body?' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and your billet.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the this as likely?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "This concluded the examination of the witness." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, main points of my analysis." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to placed his cuttings. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and that he would see to anything that turned up. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem neither fascinating nor artistic." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Ample." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his gbnewby@pglaf.org quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Yes?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and he. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a client, rising. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: such person." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those have one." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I warn you that they are very incomplete." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Ample.' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!"