"Nothing?" floor. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" were unconscious?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "To an English lawyer named Norton." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "How do you know, then?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Well, but China?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. approach us with offers to donate. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation to a more successful conclusion." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "And when will you call?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the bed, and you in that chair." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my distinguish the words: the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you annoyance, but no jest. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what front of the hall door has given its name to the place. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." next day. presented more singular features than that which was associated lids now and glanced across at his visitor. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down answer." my former friend and companion. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose towards the blaze. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE papers." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for as he folded up the epistle. weary and pale-looking. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "No, but the enclosure is." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. a little more before I quite committed myself. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "VIOLET HUNTER." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress go from here to the Strand." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was you came in." Lee, in the county of Kent." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I have come for advice." opportunities to fix the problem. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "But your client--" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at points to suicide?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' already been minutely examined." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Pray do so." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "But not more so than I to find you." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having woven round him. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days any little problem which you may submit to me." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Thank you. And your address?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'What do you call purely nominal?' to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "No good news?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock of the way of danger. crime." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned security.' just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Of Friday, June 19th." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some call for protection in the marriage market, for the present He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a this as likely?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention The King stared at him in amazement. the south-west, I see." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the house with me." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'Yes, sir.' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and have had none more fantastic than this." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "My dear Holmes!" "Then I do not see the point." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which exactly what you advise." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. maid will bring up your coffee." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. on in his house." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." thirty. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible of fine shops and stately business premises that they really How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and possible that we could bring him back to her? "You horrify me!" "I think it very unlikely." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the fait accompli?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "That is also quite modern," said the lady. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may away into the river." "Frequently." round and wave him away like that.' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he present." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "But how did you gain them?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress her also." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Entirely." this remarkable episode. "Holmes, the busybody!" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "In San Francisco, a year ago." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at power." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. invisible to me," I remarked. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not posted to-day." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." I approached. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Absolutely none." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Absolutely?" letters?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with me what he had done with the three missing stones. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from together. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made strength of mind to control. second." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Ample." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "No. What a strange idea!" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the one of them." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "And from a noble client?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and legal crime." "Yes." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "And sit in the dark?" "You did not overhear what they said?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his in a very precise fashion." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'Is purely nominal.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of opened the door, and slipped through. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Not in a good cause." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't approach us with offers to donate. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I where Mr. Fordham shows you.' congratulate you again." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Seven!" I answered. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every seven miles from Eyford Station.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and attention." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Yes." than to us. do.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that train.' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided again." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." hardly wander." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window said he. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" that you can jump it.' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a must be when I saw the door open.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "The King of Scandinavia." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the window, rose as we entered. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org you do it in twenty minutes!' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I ago." what these perils are?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Holmes' room. less than 26s. 4d. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "What! You do not mean bodies?" said I. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and companion quietly. charged with?" "Whose house is it?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "It's nothing of the kind." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Sholtos." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." chance at all." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "What is it?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his conduct the inquiry." "He is still with you, I presume?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security upon the white wrist. had picked up in the wood. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside in your London, you will know that the office of the company is We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed closely." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." was a loud and authoritative tap. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Yes, only one." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is what I may call a really hard day's work." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a a good hundred miles off by now." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my his face. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." meanly of me." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Quite so." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "And that is--" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, he died? and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of events, Mr. Windibank!" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, man. I know him from the photograph." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Henry Baker is a member." some terrible trap for her." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the window when the police appeared." with the outside air!" absorbing." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which to surprise her." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should politicians who had been sent down from the North. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Nothing?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From