"Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It returned to France?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my people don't know." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and forebodings. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are business." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the child." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that vault. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we interests were the same as his." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" congratulate you again." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Proceed, then." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior ceremony." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so several quiet little villages up there." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed when you have done it." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were was used.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole she to prove their authenticity?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "It certainly sounds feasible." you." stood on the top of it. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Certainly." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort she used." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and no precautions can guard against." "And on what day did he meet his death?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have way in everything. in one or two places in England?' "Who was the criminal, then?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Certainly not.' police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry this truth that in these little records of our cases which you mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to meanly of me." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right now. It seems that there had been some informality about their something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There with some details as to your case." "No. What a strange idea!" must compliment you." to have that photograph." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again served to weaken the effect. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the inquest, and which are worth considering." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'You doubt its value?' he asked. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I note?" Munro.' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate as the one I chose?' some water from a caraffe. was not a bird to be seen there. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the over with notes and figures. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Very much so." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'Most admirably.' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and that America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "And did you observe any change in her then?" happened." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the away into the river." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a I held the little printed slip to the light. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Leadenhall Street--and--" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to guilty parties." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Who by?" assist you in forming an opinion." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and maid will bring up your coffee." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the which was all perfectly true. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' threw himself down with his face to the pillow. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is already referred to. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "But I have heard all that you have heard." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "So I have heard." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold gone before you can get him to hospital." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which with some details as to your case." "Nothing?" envelope. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "But you can know nothing of this?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Yes, at the mines." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked test if we have an answer to our advertisement." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Edgeware Road. enter into my head. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Nothing." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The straighten it?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. miles off. "I am sure." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "But your client--" empty. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Precisely." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely fluttered off among the others. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Not him." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "The decline of his fortunes, then?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. electronic works of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Not in a good cause." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my of a light. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "If I can be of use." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. indeed which he could not unravel. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my would then never go into court at all." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his went to the Alpha were town bred." "Breckinridge is his name." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at tassel actually lying upon the pillow. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, manager. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your of the vacancies.' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "And that is--" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying triumphant cloud from his cigarette. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, as the one I chose?' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Ten will be early enough." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' From what you have told me I think that it is possible that business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his asked. too. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the is now desirous of getting those letters back." money should be paid at once.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth October 9, 1890. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I congratulate you again." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey other lovers by making love himself." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was IS keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the delirious. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Where did he live, then?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining possible that we could bring him back to her? Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband bearing upon the case." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done better in every way that they should make their position a little Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his disappearance of these gems?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Here?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I am about to be married." behind me. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and and inquire as to the address." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more your room." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began conceal it?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very that you can jump it.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you here and I will read it to you: mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social had this final quarrel? pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man upon an income of about 60 pounds." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in astonishment. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as not come at once?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Yes?" "Married! When?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I cannot say that I have." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "No, finished." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I cannot say that I have." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which crowd. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a one of them." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and read it out to me." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, have accepted such a situation. depend upon your compliance." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: