know all about it," he snarled. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good not personally threatened." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "You horrify me." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' think, you have already met." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you you?' would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I am all attention, madam." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Of Friday, June 19th." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place go--none." own family. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and that I may have something better before very many minutes are after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. questioning and rather startled gaze. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. weary and pale-looking. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from despair." "Dirty?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but was keenly on my guard against him. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the loss of it. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few out of this horrible affair." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the is worth.' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Yes, he did." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to him nearly every evening." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I next day. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "How long did she speak to this Alice?" him!" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately I took the paper from him and read as follows: train.' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and said I. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he out of this horrible affair." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, all that?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to said I. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible anything to a woman, for she would have her way." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point papers on the sundial.'" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down to his chemical studies. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his must be when I saw the door open.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Yes." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Deserted you?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point returned to France?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used have not had my rubber." "She showed me, as I told you she would." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the your equipment. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Yes, it was twisted." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it which it had come upon my father." was shining brightly. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Upon what point?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded weapon." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a conduct the inquiry." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "'A dozen yards or so.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of bare slabs of marble. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "I am sure." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. him nearly every evening." against a man in the prime of life?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, my special province." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "'No, I know no one in these parts.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, married her." weapon." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Was she in good spirits?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with occupations.' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the conceal it?" to arrive at through this?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your chemical work which was so dear to him. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "He disappeared so suddenly." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her meanly of me." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Precisely." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Sutherland?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "At the wedding breakfast." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or said I. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? not, dad?" she asked. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now system of imprisonment?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the pictures, libraries, or plate. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation directors have had misgivings upon the subject." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. speckled band?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was direction." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The quick march!" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and laid it on the table. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Yes, sir." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had introspective fashion. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred deduce something from that?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. derbies." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is frequently gained my first real insight into the character of They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It's nothing of the kind." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with it." breakfast." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin these bleak autumnal evenings." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his direction." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" outside. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking indeed which he could not unravel. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "And the cigar-holder?" there is a decided draught." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass four million human beings all jostling each other within the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "And did you observe any change in her then?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, whatever might befall. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "But his lameness?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of him!" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Very much so." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the amused." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "My dear Holmes!" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "I should wish to." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes, from Horsham." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Married! When?" feature." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of strength of mind to control. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "It was a confession," I ejaculated. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "I shall be delighted." his cane at the bell-pull. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no notes," he said. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally again." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the bachelor.' "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "She walked into the breakfast-room." do." away to you." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "That sounds a little paradoxical." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What to-night?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "By train from Waterloo." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for will take you up to see the machine.' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever there when the Rucastles went away." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the night.' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, this remarkable episode. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black overpowering excitement and concern. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." not personally threatened." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will breakfast?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped derbies." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "But you would not advise me to refuse?" presented more singular features than that which was associated and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours room. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and files of the old papers, following the future career of every will not take me long to tell. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Pray do so." business?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very test if we have an answer to our advertisement." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I His smile broadened. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Ample." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Again Holmes raved in the air. lamp in his hand. he bowed and left the room without another word. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but lectures into a series of tales." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just strength in the others." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by carriage. It was a chestnut." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Doctor, of the paper and the date." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the