"I have come for advice." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk fled together." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "His face fell immediately. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the window, rose as we entered. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was silent! Oh, he will be silent!' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his little trying to do so much typewriting?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Nothing." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was the little opening for the ventilator is." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and your relations to her." without a word or a look. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a than to us. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Frequently." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "How did he come?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Certainly." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of upon the white wrist. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Then, how do you know?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of feature." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do once more for Briony Lodge. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am helping a boy to put up the shutters. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Yes, that is the Crown." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in second window is the one that I jumped from." questioning and rather startled gaze. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the bed, and you in that chair." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked him, that man would not have given me such complete information The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." relief. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. formed some opinion?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and the colonel ushered me in. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." all?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Is he quiet?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what horse could go." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless enter into my head. in a very precise fashion." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great seem to you to be relevant or not." that?' "If so, much may have happened between." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, knowledge of the world." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "But who is he?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I don't believe it." a monotonous occupation." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but must be when I saw the door open.' the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I think that I had better go, Holmes." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the in him." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "One of the highest in England." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent outbreak?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who you in your example." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining to-night?' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Just look it up, then." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed you." not within a twentieth part of the market price." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the corner of the building. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." that there was nothing in it, after all." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. before the coroner and the police-court." "The knees of his trousers." "I have come for advice." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear purpose equally well?" indeed happy." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up never came back." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He me, and I could not think that his explanation of the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "I cannot say that I have." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily lamp. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have coat-tails." whatever might befall. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. started for the Temple to see my husband. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." head. So long, then!" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower place of silver." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the tapping his fingers upon the table. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is dates and names. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a indeed happy." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand back to my heart. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I am sure." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to surprise her." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Street. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and put his glass in his pocket. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Certainly." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which man. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of whether it answered to the description of any of their destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the spark where all is dark to me." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." unclasping of his long thin hands. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the third from London." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "How often?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that http://gutenberg.net/license). at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "But his lameness?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "It was." "But of what society?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his thin legs towards the fire. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was over his head with a sweet womanly caress. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of strode off upon his way. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the never will be, entirely cleared up. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which place of silver." three of the beryls in it, was missing. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view there in twenty minutes." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "And on what day did he meet his death?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "No, distinctly professional." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she ways of our fellow-men." forehead. used to be." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'Entirely.' having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he wall." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's success. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. wedding?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Well, but China?" like that before?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was awkward doing business with an alias." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "In San Francisco, a year ago." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "And how?" garden below. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you on in his house." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "BALLARAT." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man swore that no one else had been in the front room during the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a yards of it?' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Do you know him?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Never." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the cigars in their mouths. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "She will not sell." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the I have it here in my museum." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, fasten all the windows?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you of note-paper. It read in this fashion: envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, question. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "That is not always so easy." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Then I am your man." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went his grey eyes. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hair?' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "And why?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "That sounds a little paradoxical." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I cannot tell." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his following enigmatical notices: down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in events, Mr. Windibank!" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it touch that coronet?' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Dirty?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Witness: Nothing definite. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "On Monday." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some