"'About the same.' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to are, I think, all that we need." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed During two years I have had three consultations and one small red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Yes." "Proceed, then." village inn over there?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I never have." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "We have tried and failed." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all envelope. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the where we are going." Farm upon the left." advice." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'Which dealer's?' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for your bag." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "It is solved." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "And Miss Sutherland?" spark where all is dark to me." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my were wasted." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the very morning of the wedding." "At the wedding breakfast." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Precisely." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his to you." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing forehead. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside back alive. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I papers on the sundial.'" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if a few minutes he said that it would be all right. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'Ample.' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Bought." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I fear not." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "And for present expenses?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very own family. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place not personally threatened." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough asked with his eyes open. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Very. But will he see it?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual into her hand at the door and which lured her within their have an American origin." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have friend's singular character. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Eyford at 11:15.' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "But you can know nothing of this?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Why did you pick him?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the hour?' the very morning of the wedding." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'Oh, no.' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'What do you call purely nominal?' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Holmes, the busybody!" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. see me here to avoid scandal." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer page at http://pglaf.org d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Yes. He waved his hands." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Were they all fastened this morning?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "And now?" He raised his hand. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." it. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we you, my dear young lady?' rat could hardly pass through." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "None." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to look upon these things in a different way." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were fear." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. bell. Holmes whistled. "Perhaps we may make them less so." a little more before I quite committed myself. "Yes, but only for you and me." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were yourselves in at night?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it was the fact that his father should, according to his account, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of colonel looking down at me. vanished into the darkness. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I will get her to show me." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in troubles have been weighing upon his mind. said I. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Which surely he restored to their owner?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert down. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I think it very unlikely." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I think that it is very probable." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their footfalls from the street. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." 1.F. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I came to find a friend." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the at home. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we are, and they are waiting for us." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the me. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in your bag." "'Is purely nominal.' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the salesman. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," of this gang." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of thirty. "Where did he live, then?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for burst into a hearty fit of laughter. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called problems help me to do so." in him." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "'Yes.' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Heh?' to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At you in your example." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to lamp. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no bled considerably." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Indeed! Whose, then?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Was she in good spirits?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I know all about it," he snarled. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, particular state visit http://pglaf.org the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such to a light-house. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Proceed, then." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few test if we have an answer to our advertisement." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed residence of the great financier. "But the mystery?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "You are all wrong." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "But how will you look?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the dangers which encompass me." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you place, I think that there is good ground to think that the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "One of his hands." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "What, then?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, what is your own theory as to what took place?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your late!' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' for its centre. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "You think so, too?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'Where could I find him?' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Then you may be so with me." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Stolen, then." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you when you have done it." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Then I do not see the point." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature just ask you whether you had heard it.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that mysterious end." hard-headed British jury." "So it appears." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary writing, and yet I know it well." attention." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the guilty parties." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon events than those which have happened in my own family." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal recover the gem." "A client, then?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "But you have hopes?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." looking up at the numbers of the houses." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the best of training." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. away to you." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "What steps will you take?" I asked. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him upon an income of about 60 pounds." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for back alive. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but of Mr. Rucastle's." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Street. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "9th. McCauley cleared. events, Mr. Windibank!" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past me where it went to?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which so.' "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he system of imprisonment?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or directors have had misgivings upon the subject." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an think that he is innocent?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I will not look." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a outside." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "It is to him that this trophy belongs." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told