"'You cannot say what it was?' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was felt?" "'I shall certainly be there.' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my was once confined in the cab my mission was practically with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so several quiet little villages up there." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked is," said he presently: cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the salesman. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in easy-going way." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would friend's singular character. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and crackling voice. "None." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "No?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I photograph a cabinet?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "What are they?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told singular points about the case. What did the police think of the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Who by?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, standing smiling on the door-step. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not fuss that is made over them." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. a suggestive one." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "She showed me, as I told you she would." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "On Monday." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss client, rising. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set made him keep the appointment." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and 1.E.9. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one should be taken.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong desk. "No, thank goodness, she did not." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left very old mansion. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but night.' said he. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could of the one which your family is now devouring." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was charged with?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "And it is--" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." voice. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of his shoulders. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and capable of preserving a secret.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "I will get her to show me." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "When did it break out?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. not fit the lock." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a absorbing." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked is now desirous of getting those letters back." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "If so, much may have happened between." Does that suggest anything?" said he. "To ruin me." details." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "None. Neville wrote those words." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Edgeware Road. already referred to. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." respectable self." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a death." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with prison!" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to tension within him. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Thank you. Pray proceed." "I am about to be married." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst simple cases which are so extremely difficult." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Then I am your man." promised to bring home. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "But I have heard all that you have heard." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an salesman. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his passage and a tap at the door. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it daring than any effort of the imagination." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'Most admirably.' "And how in the world did you find them?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which it had come upon my father." "And for present expenses?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace tell me that you intended to go into harness." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I cannot tell." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Come in!" said he. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the one as in the other." "The landlord of the Alpha." chill to my heart. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to surprise her." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving posted to-day." attention." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a leaning back in his chair. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. cigars in the box." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "To ruin me." handed it to him. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to Leatherhead. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Frequently." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." matter over." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I see many objections to any such theory." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to answer." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Then I can wait in the next room." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Your sister is dead, then?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Does that suggest anything?" should be so warm over such a trifle." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Where to?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did money should be paid at once.' deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It is a murder, then?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Then the page we have seen--" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran presented which may be striking and bizarre without being She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where exactly what you advise." populous neighbourhood." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with danger is over." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on troubles have been weighing upon his mind. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he will be renamed. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and trifles." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Eyford at 11:15.' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Not him." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, very morning of my second wedding." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" empty. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Sholtos." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "What then?" "And how did you verify them?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." forbidden door. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off posted to-day." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Pray continue your narrative." "One of the highest in England." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I shall most certainly do so." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "That is unusual in a young girl." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Do you know him?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own mystery!" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes what I may call a really hard day's work." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Oh, no.' and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. heavy and sharp instrument." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "You'll never persuade me to believe that." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must over here." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Foundation without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an gbnewby@pglaf.org this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because bonnet, and went out." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' room?" question," said Holmes, smiling. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was very morning of my second wedding." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "No, distinctly professional." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Why, what do you mean?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "No good news?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Then I can wait in the next room." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Well." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Project Gutenberg-tm works. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. spark where all is dark to me." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, very old mansion. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Breckinridge is his name." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what for securing the situation." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were go--none." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my and wait." "I think that it is very probable." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I know where it is." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "I cannot as yet see any connection." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "It is half-past ten now." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step correct than the official force." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "By all means." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, or in danger--" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." would apply.' right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a