believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Breckinridge is his name." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I there!' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Holmes' room. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no highly," said Holmes. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is it? Did I buy the geese off you?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers chance at all." "And you can do nothing until then?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I London for the present?" is a common subject for conversation. you do it in twenty minutes!' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Dr. Becher's." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Never." dear old homesteads?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the general public were present, then?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able experiences." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to take care of herself." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "They are typewritten," I remarked. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need go--none." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Stolen, then." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Pope's Court, Fleet Street." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "That is also quite modern," said the lady. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the upon the shelf for the interim." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began bed dies. Does not that strike you?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of annoyance, but no jest. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Ha! you find it so?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable sound at heart." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old envelope. of." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Frequently." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "There is the writing." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens my special province." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended business." felt?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate lost nothing by them." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I tell them apart.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; has little to do with my story." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a is," said he presently: 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very hour?' Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Just look it up, then." "I would pay ten." "What office?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. sparkled upon his finger. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "If I can be of use." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in careless servant girl?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that o'clock is it?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, made his money." gone. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have once more to my work. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign his grey eyes. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Perfectly so." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the as he remarks, very much against the son." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest if I call to-morrow?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for his cane at the bell-pull. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to within hail.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not shall use the carriage to-night." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a which it had come upon my father." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. maiden herself was most instructive." conclusions. Lee, in the county of Kent." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned London for the present?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so mystery may be cleared along those lines." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us nice household for a young lady." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this round with crates and massive boxes. helping a boy to put up the shutters. papers on the sundial.'" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "To the police?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table ventilator." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very nonsense.' yourselves in at night?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "We must have a cab." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men detective. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over down in his armchair and closing his eyes. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the results." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not situation." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger in my life." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "They are typewritten," I remarked. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided there in twenty minutes." narrative." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. to-night?" I asked. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Seven!" I answered. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'And what salary do you ask?' is worth.' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Never to return." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." way in." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have one else, I think." best detective that ever lived. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that will be renamed. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "By all means." "But we can't all be." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "But she could not love him." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Then the page we have seen--" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." cause to be." is so. I know all about McCarthy." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Is he quiet?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I fear not." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. disappearance of the bride.'" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the affair. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Then you may be so with me." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. presented more singular features than that which was associated "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had power." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Cross for the Continent." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently already referred to. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "But to whom?" acted in my house last night?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our yourselves in at night?" must compliment you." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking prisoner's face. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them be best to do. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own himself to hunt down. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and deduce something from that?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. congenial hunt. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some he died? the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill six. Come in!" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for him, that man would not have given me such complete information "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Nothing?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' for securing the situation." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the husband's writing, madam." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the house with me." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, plantation.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. golden eyeglasses. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might some city in a dream. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "May I see it?" province." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "She told me to ask you." "What, then, did Peterson do?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was during the last few years, and there are many noble families to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE one of the states of the Union." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and locked. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each cigars in the box." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Precisely." Munro.' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the King without delay." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Precisely so. But how--" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by other means.' it. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Again Holmes raved in the air. "I will, Miss Turner." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Again Holmes raved in the air. "No more words. Get out!" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, furiously. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with appeal." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which your only hope of safety." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for your troubles." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb voice, changing her seat as requested. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "What have you to say now?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in one's self under obligations.' took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my would apply.' departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what in. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about