distinguish the words: serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with behind me. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you are windows in it, of course?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even arrested. You then--" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "It is very kind of you." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. entirely lost his self-respect." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Chief Executive and Director behind me. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," chance." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "In what way?" asked Holmes. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Very much so." peculiar to him. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "But not more so than I to find you." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of your billet.' "My photograph." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's into the room. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "And you thought he was pulled back?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding will he say when he returns?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between appointment with me for six o'clock?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's arrested. You then--" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. as yours." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know several quiet little villages up there." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Will you go?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and my former friend and companion. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the bed, and you in that chair." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he have been better. It is all right." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish of your young ladies.' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a paper in the air. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "What steps will you take?" I asked. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the stable lane now." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Who was the criminal, then?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion key of the affair now." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism in his power. "It surprised me." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us instituted." from the brougham. the address that was given us in the advertisement. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead call you and give you the chance." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "And why?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be case-book, which he consulted. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you towards the blaze. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "It is true that I have been generally successful." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. this poor creature." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "No, I had a dozen." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Yes, that is the Crown." tell me that you intended to go into harness." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "No, finished." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. seem to you to be relevant or not." it." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ran thus: knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Of what day?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "By no means." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, but China?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an you found me to-night--and running through the front room she there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' and the church but not where the lady lived." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Perhaps we may make them less so." lost nothing by them." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "You have the photograph?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Where, then, is my wife?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, works. See paragraph 1.E below. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single his eyes and forehead. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Holmes, the busybody!" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a returned to France?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there possible that we could bring him back to her? looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed this as likely?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Where, then, is my wife?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. your sleep?' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet gigantic client. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." astonishment. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Pray tell us what has happened to you." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to arrive at through this?" felt?" yourselves in at night?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." furiously. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the compunction about shooting them down." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap long narrative. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and capable of preserving a secret.' and I shall be with you presently." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every dates and names. Mrs. Toller serenely. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Cross for the Continent." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Perfectly so." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that without a word or a look. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement copied or distributed: flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would important." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "BALLARAT." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was indiscretion." you give your casting vote to?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the carried out of court." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me here and I will read it to you: Have you good authority for what you say?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in what I may call a really hard day's work." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." little trying to do so much typewriting?" his wife has ceased to love him." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes, that is the Crown." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Will you go?" "A confidential servant?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from not come at once?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, had a long day." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than to his chemical studies. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "No, distinctly professional." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, for and were ordered to this address. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were open." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital this poor creature." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging trying to your nerves." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon and files of the old papers, following the future career of every but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an envelope. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Henry Baker is a member." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" is four-and-twenty." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to your room." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, developed." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course The summons was a brief and urgent one. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of said he. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." of this gang." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "And it is--" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Perfectly so." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my it means?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an You want to know what became of those geese?" "There are none." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. spare." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the again." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Was he the only applicant?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each gigantic client. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up straighten it?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called to Leatherhead. she to prove their authenticity?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should that before taking the final step I should like to submit the my friend's incisive reasoning. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt opened the door, and slipped through. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. infinite languor in his face. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' matter." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "But how?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" is acting for the best. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Countess of Morcar's?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of friends, not even his own brother. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I will, Miss Turner." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, know that the truth is known." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Your sister is dead, then?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a families. Now for the facts. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the foot.