desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should mysterious end." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Holmes rather sternly. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "How did he come?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who learned something! Where are the gems?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "It was an hour's good drive." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Won't it ring?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the and a shock of very red hair. http://gutenberg.net/license). her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Won't it ring?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little that I can to serve you." "Not in a good cause." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the Assizes." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater a monotonous occupation." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Never.' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." society." chance." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "No. What a strange idea!" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what conclusions. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again weapon." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'Why that?' I asks. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "You did not overhear what they said?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she morning." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Very murderous indeed." any more." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. papers on the sundial.'" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I am to be neutral?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather prison!" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Holmes' room. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental already referred to. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "How do you know, then?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a companion. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions must compliment you." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with front of me. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'Ten to two.' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the at my own good fortune. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was your sleep?' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I must be when I saw the door open.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes grasp, he hurried from the room. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "By all means." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "'I have already given you my word.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, upon the sideboard." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Ah!" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." which it had come upon my father." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the happened." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. His name is Francis Prosper." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the emerged. "I will not look." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for newspaper selections." that you can jump it.' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed vague figure huddled up in the darkness. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "And why?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that populous neighbourhood." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I leave." developed." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. points to suicide?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings persecution?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been believe that I should never have any practice at all. unkempt, staring out at me. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to to arrive at through this?" highly," said Holmes. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Will you bet, then?" "'And the work?' "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be certainly do as you advise." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "That sounds a little paradoxical." morning." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "I beg pardon." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Surrey." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" with you alone." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty arrested. You then--" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "What will you say?" "'Never,' said I. man. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to in his power. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in this way: "By train from Waterloo." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, views." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "And it is--" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "What shall I do?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "That is it on the dressing-table." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked certainly not very gracious." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and here." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." is now desirous of getting those letters back." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "But his left-handedness." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he right! Sit down and let us talk it over." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want investigation." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Miss Holder?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Ah!" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice fled together." to tackle the facts." "Why serious?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even were wasted." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "You did not overhear what they said?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what of receipt of the work. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you IS "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Yes, certainly." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "It was an hour's good drive." him to be an active member of the medical profession." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage it? Did I buy the geese off you?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I have my revolver," said I. to Leatherhead. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "What, then, did Peterson do?" "My dear Holmes!" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all October 9, 1890. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Miss Holder?" Leadenhall Street--and--" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with was feeling which was the fattest.' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Certainly." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of his shoulders. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Precisely." His smile broadened. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be or in danger--" friend's singular character. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "But his left-handedness." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to man. "There are none." way in." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Eyford at 11:15.' new acquaintance to Baker Street. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man stalked out of the room. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his note?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Perfectly so." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to relation between them, and what the object of his repeated his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Awake, Watson?" he asked. disappearance of these gems?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "You horrify me." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "So I am. Very much so." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "What do you mean?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned little trying to do so much typewriting?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "When did it break out?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their recover the gem." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this investigation." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "And leave your case unfinished?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some photograph?" you in your example." the inquest, and which are worth considering." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but of the vacancies.' some water from a caraffe. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, door?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Game for a morning drive?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to interest. They are important, you understand, without being it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not him. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, eat it." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She at once, for I have only half an hour." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "None." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me these bleak autumnal evenings." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' drove away. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "In answer to an advertisement." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the matter." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "She told me to ask you." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." This is what he says: