day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were it means?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and wedding?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the south-west, I see." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this man was intellectual?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey round and wave him away like that.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael answer." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us already been minutely examined." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' fishes. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit morning." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable digesting their breakfasts at home." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were he bowed and left the room without another word. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is McCarthy." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "No legal papers or certificates?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which row." individual and becomes the badge of a society." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with his huge brown hands. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready habit of advancing money.' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's cigars in their mouths. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Ample." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a experiences." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let me. You must get home instantly and act." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to made his money." particular state visit http://pglaf.org we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Pray continue your narrative." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do maid will bring up your coffee." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "What, then?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were walking." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "At what time?" photograph a cabinet?" to a more successful conclusion." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from better in every way that they should make their position a little cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from approach us with offers to donate. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is back to my heart. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again my secret was safe in his possession. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'Where could I find him?' the salesman. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Nothing?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "ARAT," I read. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry fashion which was peculiar to him. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De fait accompli?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the have one." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very became a certainty. possible that we could bring him back to her? have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small me have 200 pounds?' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place any." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body business." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. outbreak?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove held up the lantern and gazed about him. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their this unhappy family?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. make me his representative both with the servants and with the south, for the country is more deserted there." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very to a more successful conclusion." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to been with you?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small started for the Temple to see my husband. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I assure you that I am in your hands." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching never came back." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. father's place of business?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "And now?" He raised his hand. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Did you observe the colour?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "My dear Holmes!" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and inquire as to the address." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of crime." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "BALLARAT." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Most admirably.' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. infinite languor in his face. "We were both in the photograph." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "I shall be delighted." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her have I gained?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I am sure." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Perfectly so." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade putting in the horse. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I came to find a friend." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I some water from a caraffe. he died? case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the coronet in his hand?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the of the way of danger. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the King without delay." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "By no means." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "But he might be a bachelor." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and like gravel from a pit.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the call the police, let the police find what they can.' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers asked. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the one of them." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Leadenhall Street--and--" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Sutherland. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this speckled band?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'Certainly not.' that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." followed. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the very morning of the wedding." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. his face. as he folded up the epistle. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been locked." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, opened the door, and slipped through. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall so.' matter." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Could he throw no light?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always from the brougham. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! ourselves in the office." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back just called myself is not exactly my own." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked me. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Pope's Court. have established a very serious case against the son of the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Why serious?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this do you make of it all?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." his face. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. ventilator." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "When did she vanish, then?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance His name is Francis Prosper." "No, thank goodness, she did not." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the night.' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. read it out to me." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle stalked out of the room. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the bottom.' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "No, thank goodness, she did not." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'It is locked up,' I answered. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Yes." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate I held the little printed slip to the light. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and for its centre. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" taking in every detail of the apartment. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I invisible to me," I remarked. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "I think that it is very probable." in a friendly supper."