other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and soul! here is her carriage at the door." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "If so, much may have happened between." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Yes." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, indeed happy." come either from the window or the door. My attention was keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this grasp, he hurried from the room. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, know that the truth is known." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite society." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to purpose equally well?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "My dear Holmes!" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "You horrify me." "Thank you. And your address?" astonishment. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly occurred." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so lips." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "She walked into the breakfast-room." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in felt?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'Certainly not.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather that?' on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, in a friendly supper." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "He might." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the if she died from some sudden fright." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "And that is--" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." forbidden door. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project it means?" will not take me long to tell. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the was used.' strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Have you her photograph?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in his power. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is for the market.' hurried away. "On the contrary, this is the right side." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Mary, has deserted me." despair." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Very. But will he see it?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come humiliation." round and wave him away like that.' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your on re-entering her father's house?" "I see many objections to any such theory." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a had a long day." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I as this. Pray let me have the details." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. assist you in forming an opinion." nonsense.' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" of Fenchurch Street." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." hopeless attempt at recovering them." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. had a long day." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "But the mystery?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so to have that photograph." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "'There is a drive, then?' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing not personally threatened." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with new duties?' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "The King of Scandinavia." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This companion. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the ready to-morrow?' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into disturbance in my wife." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed forebodings. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the best of training." cheerful." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Your presence might be invaluable." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Then I can wait in the next room." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Surrey." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Pray do so." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow it." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "We must sit without light. He would see it through the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You don't mind breaking the law?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the out." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the house with me." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "What will you say?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that flock.' and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and I shall be with you presently." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "On the contrary, this is the right side." get the tickets." "What steps will you take?" I asked. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when at home. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to know what is wrong with it.' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I should like to see him very much." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to back to my heart. mystery!" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project giving me time to thank him. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not were unconscious?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "They are typewritten," I remarked. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Well, some hundreds of times." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white death." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes, only one." "This photograph!" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'I have already given you my word.' "Of what day?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his to-night's adventure." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without keep the flames under. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, this poor creature." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Holmes' face clouded over. "Did you observe the colour?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, four million human beings all jostling each other within the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly foot. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a a little more before I quite committed myself. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which to a light-house. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." morning." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook gone before you can get him to hospital." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" photograph a cabinet?" there!' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake indiscretion." "There are none." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to shall use the carriage to-night." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "It is solved." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a less than 26s. 4d. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." than was visible to me." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon business came to an end." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "My private note-paper." you in your example." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's shoulder. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' down. Project Gutenberg-tm works. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which have had none more fantastic than this." Munro.' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for you." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "You heard nothing yourself last night?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to up this clue while it is still hot." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on think that any burglar could have done. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "She will not sell." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. I was concerned in it." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Precisely so. But how--" one else, I think." "Breckinridge is his name." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Where to?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the grasp, he hurried from the room. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my both be extremely obliged.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he in his hands." any little problem which you may submit to me." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather new acquaintance to Baker Street. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the have got?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I October 9, 1890. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be morning." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out not as remarkable as your advertisement." telegram would bring me down to your help." upon the shelf for the interim." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window like that before?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "We were both in the photograph." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I was mad--insane." wedding?" experiences." into the bag, and made for the door. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. fluttered off among the others. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur out." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "How are you getting on?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has cost them two and thirty pounds." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "If I can be of use." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the This is what he says: evidence," I remarked. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the politicians who had been sent down from the North. strode off upon his way. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and