"Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. already been minutely examined." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' maiden herself was most instructive." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "What of the rat, then?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "That sounds a little paradoxical." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "On Monday." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Here?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Clair, of Lee." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the one as in the other." them?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'And what are they worth?' I asked. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the investigation." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance to-night?" I asked. she might be summoned. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not you?' at my remark. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "So I have heard." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "One of his hands." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their future lives." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Lee, in the county of Kent." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'Certainly not.' cause to be." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes." events, Mr. Windibank!" "Ample." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood late." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "And why?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Then I shall certainly come." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "But you can know nothing of this?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'In my own bureau.' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the roots. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his highroad, where all traces were lost. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent respectable self." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the business at Coburg Square is serious." place of silver." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and your relations to her." which are rolled in Rotterdam." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Pool. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of there." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It surprised me." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little gentleman's clothes. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about colour had been driven from his face. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual my secret was safe in his possession. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of I think that I could be of assistance to you." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker quick march!" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no to me. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined tied." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the house with me." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "If I can be of use." back into the street. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and shall probably return to London by the evening train." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the returned to France?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, mystery may be cleared along those lines." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with copied or distributed: the coronet in his hand?" ordinary clothes on?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And I to find an enemy." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect License. You must require such a user to return or quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Where does the thing come from?' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who to that open window." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the coronet at all injured?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Lee, in the county of Kent." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very instincts rose up against that laugh. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Nearly eleven." "At the wedding breakfast." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the danger is over." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all woven round him. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "A confidential servant?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an past. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into pictures, libraries, or plate. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Did you become engaged then?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Then how many are there?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the driver. "How did that help you?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." instituted." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally time." who was a member of your goose club." examine." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which to surprise her." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a investigation." "Seven!" I answered. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over article?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Stolen, then." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my not fit the lock." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "On Monday." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a man. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found him to go away.' understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to in his power. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, feature." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You know me, then?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Pray do so." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love way: Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of present." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "But how will you look?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "We were both in the photograph." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. address. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as galvanised. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Quite so." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre to you." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "You horrify me." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. them present such singular features as the strange train of back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round brandy and water within his reach. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "'What would be the hours?' I asked. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and inquire as to the address." relief. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Oh, fresh and glossy." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations intrusion of other matters." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "That is not always so easy." "You have compromised yourself seriously." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Yes, only one." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "In heaven's name, what for?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my looking up at the numbers of the houses." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I do." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The he bowed and left the room without another word. "'And the work?' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "And Miss Sutherland?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. where we are going." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "No, thank goodness, she did not." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double new duties?' "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. had died away into the silence from which it rose. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek pictures, libraries, or plate. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was my secret was safe in his possession. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "No bad?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Well, some hundreds of times." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Yes, I have one waiting." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, read over the extraordinary announcement. "Pray do so." memory. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "It is his hat." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "But he might be a bachelor." from you?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out rooms." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed window when the police appeared." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is way in." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?"