possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "There is the writing." my secret was safe in his possession. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "What!" he roared. "Not in a good cause." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my hands. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was him. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Witness: I must still refuse. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same see me here to avoid scandal." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards intrusion of other matters." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at fattened it expressly for you.' and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Yes, the wine-cellar." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend voice, changing her seat as requested. during that time.' train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is whole matter to your consideration." a little more before I quite committed myself. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive him!" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried out of this horrible affair." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I don't say that. Perhaps." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote him to go away.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate geese which you supplied to the Alpha." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a never to learn it at all." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from and the colonel ushered me in. have had none more fantastic than this." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked there in twenty minutes." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to me. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to take care of herself." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I was sure that I might rely on you." yet." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "But how did you gain them?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I McCarthy's innocence. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall address. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Not him." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some 11:15.' the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I was certainly surprised to find you there." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this matter over." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "And did you observe any change in her then?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "My private note-paper." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of of the way of danger. the bed, and you in that chair." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, with you?" true." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Does that suggest anything?" "Always." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in third from London." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Will you go?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it companion. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey second." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more fishes. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be to talk it over. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Where to?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Holmes. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little exactly what you advise." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, obstinate." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across think that any burglar could have done. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Then I am your man." "How many? I don't know." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Indeed! Whose, then?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of if I call to-morrow?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let my friend's incisive reasoning. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "My dear Holmes!" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. opportunities to fix the problem. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an passage and a tap at the door. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sake, don't!" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Of what?" extraordinary contortions. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Nearly eleven." said he. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and clang of the bell. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Did you become engaged then?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has singular points about the case. What did the police think of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'I shall certainly be there.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my depend upon your compliance." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the loss of it. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My you want, then?' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I nothing with him." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid help us in this matter." straighten it?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "It is solved." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Perhaps we may make them less so." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of never to learn it at all." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to mystery!" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where acted in my house last night?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Yes, it was twisted." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank jewels which you have stolen?' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, way: he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "It missed him, then?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. you." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings bell. Holmes whistled. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my bare slabs of marble. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and it. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve developed." "Quite so." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I was mad--insane." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came colour had been driven from his face. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding ashen face. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very clang of the bell. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we vague figure huddled up in the darkness. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Perhaps we may make them less so." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Here?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "I was sure that I might rely on you." and effective." if I call to-morrow?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Stoke Moran." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I door?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." will he say when he returns?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what along the entire front of the house, with three long windows strong reason behind." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "But you would not advise me to refuse?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an made him keep the appointment." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Certainly." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his affection." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "It missed him, then?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. learned something! Where are the gems?" newspaper selections." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon fire. You quite follow me?" the Assizes." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off said I. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "What of the rat, then?" "My stepfather's business papers." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "What shall I do?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. imbecility!" he cried. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it breakfast and whispered something to her husband. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, everything which you would wish to know." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing not fit the lock." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. My friend smiled. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "But how did you gain them?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'Yes, sir.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Where to?' reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. depend upon your compliance." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Was your sister dressed?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But he might be a bachelor." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I am to be neutral?" learned something! Where are the gems?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Upon what point?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the inner apartment." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "He might." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Nothing." unclasping of his long thin hands. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Certainly,' I answered. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to my former friend and companion. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, a monotonous occupation." "What will you do, then?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would