such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "What then?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates door?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say for the market.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "10th. John Swain cleared. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," God! What an exposure! What can I do?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low are windows in it, of course?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you look upon these things in a different way." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at here and I will read it to you: "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a following enigmatical notices: instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the house with me." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Leave Paddington by the 11:15." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, to change my dress. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. had picked up in the wood. happened." "My photograph." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." During two years I have had three consultations and one small The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I cannot say that I have." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me digesting their breakfasts at home." habit of advancing money.' would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "An enemy?" started for the Temple to see my husband. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "9th. McCauley cleared. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "But you can know nothing of this?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which with frightened eyes at his accuser. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if asked with his eyes open. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "And how in the world did you find them?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which four million human beings all jostling each other within the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before letters?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to gentleman's clothes. a little more before I quite committed myself. "From his hat?" I shall continue with my miserable story. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. him and tried to hold him back. the loss of it. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Serpentine Avenue. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Never to return." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very of campaign. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "You know me, then?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of yet." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "My stepfather's business papers." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence not personally threatened." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, fasten all the windows?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Thank you. Pray proceed." populous neighbourhood." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "That is it on the dressing-table." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter Surrey." Serpentine Avenue. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "The King of Scandinavia." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the money should be paid at once.' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her it." that "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very companion. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Very much so." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Was your sister dressed?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his present strange and interesting features that it is no easy own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with 1.F. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire nothing of it?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "I fear not." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up it." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. you?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "That is unusual in a young girl." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I am in hopes that she does." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater outsides of the windows. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I cannot say that I have." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a suspect him." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'How far from the body?' values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have to go into your room and bar your shutters?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the coat-tails." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "No, but the enclosure is." "Was the window open?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Literary Archive Foundation of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked think that he is innocent?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Yes." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for ashen face. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such man. I know him from the photograph." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the bottom.' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. rooms." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in the port of London." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "And Irene Adler?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in there was no need for father to know." "At what time?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "In the cells." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an green of the new foliage. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from was a loud and authoritative tap. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "No. His orders were to stay in the house." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business were new raised from a basin. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty father's young wife. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. observed. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, not fit the lock." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry bell. Holmes whistled. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called woman." used to be." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned other means.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'And the work?' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less depend upon your compliance." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your your equipment. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. husband's writing, madam." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "What do you mean?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely said I. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always make me his representative both with the servants and with the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "But how?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Was your sister dressed?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip writer." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have made his money." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at business matters.' that you can jump it.' "'Quite sure, dad.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, was a lad." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an some city in a dream. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "When did she vanish, then?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear into the bag, and made for the door. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and long narrative. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked pictures, libraries, or plate. "Which are?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "But what is it you wish?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought one of the states of the Union." his wife has ceased to love him." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew think you a quite exceptional woman." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "You horrify me." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Witness: I must still refuse. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the of his shoulders. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his have I gained?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'Never.' not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was jewels which you have stolen?' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, than was visible to me." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "What have you to say now?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens late!' tell them apart.' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so take the flies, but not before." locked." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the companion. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which at once, for I have only half an hour." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Why did you beat the pavement?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to