of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, promised to bring home. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too man. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the bed, and you in that chair." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your careless servant girl?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "And you can do nothing until then?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action pierced for earrings?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to never to learn it at all." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in charged with?" tightly behind him. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was within hail.' business?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was this man was intellectual?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I would give my fortune to have them back." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was shadow pass over his face as I spoke. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the him!" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two remarked. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something success. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. all-comprehensive glances. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your fishes. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a is acting for the best. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its enter Dr. Roylott's room." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that her also." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." tell him that I know him to be innocent." of your young ladies.' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his tell him that I know him to be innocent." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held It may be so in this case, also." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "No." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we will be renamed. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured thirty. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely have established a very serious case against the son of the "Your presence might be invaluable." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress other means.' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Two days later this same performance was gone through under happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. there when the Rucastles went away." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "What!" he roared. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the used to be." plantation.' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." to a light-house. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country awaited us upon the table. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's closely." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'I have heard so.' the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may peculiar to him. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "None." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" knowledge of the world." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So hurried by. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "They are typewritten," I remarked. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "How on earth--" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest envelope. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Then, how do you know?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. you, my dear young lady?' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "'Ten to two.' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and laid it on the table. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious crime." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Not social, then?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "He said too much." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "9th. McCauley cleared. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of own family. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to place no limit on the sum I may draw." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked hurried by. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at straightened it out again. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." before, for it was considerably after midnight. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I don't say that. Perhaps." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "This photograph!" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so sneer upon his pale face. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out some city in a dream. "I shall most certainly do so." entirely devoid of interest." my room." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and a monotonous occupation." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in to have been novel and of interest." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Certainly." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Proceed, then." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which dead, shall be safe with us." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only legal crime." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow said I. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the your co-operation." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. of campaign. morning." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into you." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I was mad--insane." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could him. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few washing it down with a long draught of water. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "And why in hopes?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and the church but not where the lady lived." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "My photograph." "Well, some hundreds of times." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect British peeress.'" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the business came to an end." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Heh?' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "I think it very unlikely." "He is dead," cried several voices. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to detective. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he plantation.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am fat-encircled eyes. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. II. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Awake, Watson?" he asked. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Holmes." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The absolutely follow my advice in every respect." His smile broadened. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the not fit the lock." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a one of them." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "But who is he?" works. "And what did you learn from him?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "But what will you do?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would strode off upon his way. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of appeal." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "That is it on the dressing-table." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more three of the beryls in it, was missing. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little mysterious end." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine indeed happy." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Watson," he said cordially. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young stepfather?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the read over the extraordinary announcement. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work danger is over." "I cannot as yet see any connection." unkempt, staring out at me. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is plantation.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, skylight. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but strength." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "The knees of his trousers." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Then what has happened to him?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid business." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I should like to see him very much." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to you." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'Most admirably.' to tell." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for himself to tell his story. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the crime." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. lamp. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: prison!" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few there were so many in the whole country as were brought together following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. kindly on the shoulder. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "No." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I made him keep the appointment." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear returning from some small jollification and was making his way The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and yourselves in at night?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "The knees of his trousers." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'About the same.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, been with you?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in mystery." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been foot. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps have been better. It is all right." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day was feeling which was the fattest.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on that you can jump it.' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most said he. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Precisely." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "A greater distance to travel." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his which our visitor detailed to us. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the wall." have had none more fantastic than this." "Then I do not see the point." meant it for the best. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my