play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the was a loud and authoritative tap. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there shall use the carriage to-night." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. whether it answered to the description of any of their little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "I cannot tell." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any prepare for the new role I have to play." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few was used.' introspective fashion. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "My last client of the sort was a king." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. already referred to. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he presented more singular features than that which was associated over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case hurried by. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I see many objections to any such theory." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, nonsense.' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls straighten it?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. to have been novel and of interest." way: silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the coronet at all injured?" very old mansion. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' bare slabs of marble. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I see many objections to any such theory." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Only as much as we can deduce." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just quite distinctive." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the stepfather?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a here and I will read it to you: he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Yes, sir." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa was once confined in the cab my mission was practically I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the meant." "I say that I have solved it." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel forebodings. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly without a word or a look. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror in a friendly supper." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and was shining brightly. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "That is unusual in a young girl." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and upon the sideboard." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you I nodded to show that I had heard. side. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, get her out of the way." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Well, it is a possible supposition." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and you." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for right! Sit down and let us talk it over." entirely lost his self-respect." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a populous neighbourhood." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Where to?' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some generous with you in money matters.' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "The Coroner: What do you mean? Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I was afraid that you were engaged." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety suddenly upon us." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into I nodded again. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Look there!" said he. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I was mad--insane." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Not social, then?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "My Mary? Impossible!" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the few hundred pounds.' great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Mary, has deserted me." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the envelope. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'Ten to two.' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Miss Holder?" him to go away.' this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'There is a drive, then?' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a soul! here is her carriage at the door." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted weapon." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I we went to search for him, face downward in a little has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I would give my fortune to have them back." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "An enemy?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Stoke Moran." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do minor matters until to-morrow." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I think it very unlikely." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little him." hardly wander." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Imitated." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such there is a decided draught." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is down. of the way of danger. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Was she in good spirits?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax started for the Temple to see my husband. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin to-morrow." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "And leave your case unfinished?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had as he remarks, very much against the son." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, galvanised. kind enough to tell me what I should do." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Oh, the cause is excellent!" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the trying to your nerves." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, something of him before." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "What do you mean?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the business." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to taking in every detail of the apartment. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent child?' admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his to tell." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'There is a drive, then?' other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Then I do not see the point." cigars in their mouths. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to surprise her." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the morning and make my own way in the world.' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns security.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his interest. They are important, you understand, without being looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for little adventures." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began some place of shelter and let the county police know what has rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed acquaintance?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I don't believe it." that?' following enigmatical notices: We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible before the coroner and the police-court." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told was a loud and authoritative tap. you for a few hours?" the station." "Can I be of assistance?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large tapping his fingers upon the table. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." furiously. "How did you trace it, then?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "You horrify me!" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I am armed." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small noise which awoke you from your sleep?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Just look it up, then." ways of our fellow-men." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found shall use the carriage to-night." legal crime." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in jewels which you have stolen?' child?' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile could not account in any way for the presence of the missing which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, room had already been engaged for us. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church your co-operation." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the his eyes and forehead. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a know that the truth is known." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Then how many are there?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "He said that you could solve anything." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "What then?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the inner apartment." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Deserted you?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always public press." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she