"Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'Where to?' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "No." the matter?" leave you to your papers for a little." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "No more words. Get out!" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily possible that we could bring him back to her? I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And that is--" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. bill, which interests me deeply." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my so far?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Your French gold?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Not I." crime." exactly what you advise." page at http://pglaf.org come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel fat-encircled eyes. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, keep the flames under. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of III. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to sound at heart." one else, I think." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted right! Sit down and let us talk it over." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Yes." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I be best to do. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so might have a private word with us. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the said he. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'And the work?' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Of what?" "Do you go out much in society?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, do." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He charge against him will break down." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' out." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away gone. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Pope's Court. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may as noiselessly as she had come. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor cheerful." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "That is unusual in a young girl." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Perhaps I have." "Quite so." "You will not go there first?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the again on its way. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "None." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "From his hat?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "The best possible." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day this remarkable episode. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. writer." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting when your master had gone out." and capable of preserving a secret.' "You were travelling in the States?" think that he is innocent?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew lips." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'There is a drive, then?' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a details." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but matter." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "And how?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of go back?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I am in hopes that she does." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of to some other building. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never fish-monger and a tide-waiter." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King fluttered off among the others. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the me." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from miles off. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "And why?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "His face fell immediately. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of shall use the carriage to-night." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Certainly." situation." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, to that open window." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Witness: I must still refuse. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled horse could go." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "VIOLET HUNTER." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. such attractions and accomplishments?' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Leave Paddington by the 11:15." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small was the fact that his father should, according to his account, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens not come at once?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "You have compromised yourself seriously." you in your example." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Yes, the wine-cellar." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry as this. Pray let me have the details." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Is purely nominal.' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. McCarthy." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." so far?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Where, indeed?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "May I see it?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper strange features which were associated with the two crimes which unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Tired-looking or fresh?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself observed. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of this gang." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. You want to know what became of those geese?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would friends, not even his own brother. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. generous with you in money matters.' Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any matter." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly careless servant girl?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the brain must have something in it." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat which was all perfectly true. chance at all." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have you in yours." beg that you will break it off." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I conceal it?" "And how in the world did you find them?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very results." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in annoyance, but no jest. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after strength in the others." awkward doing business with an alias." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several yards of it?' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'And the work?' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so entirely devoid of interest." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down security.' freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at morning." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "And Miss Sutherland?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light second." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. have one." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you will find little credit to be gained out of this case." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "How did he come?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by said he. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a whether it answered to the description of any of their gentleman's clothes. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know constraint." Sholtos." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at absolutely follow my advice in every respect." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my useful material for showing traces. The double line a little order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I guessed as much." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle as the one I chose?' any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "None." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "No, but the enclosure is." "No." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and the colonel ushered me in. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Sutherland?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I am still in the dark." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." hurried by. dear old homesteads?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had his knees, staring into the fire. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father posted to-day." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "'Then let me do so?' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a