exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You have compromised yourself seriously." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman strength of mind to control. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was as noiselessly as she had come. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence without a word or a look. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Yes, certainly." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated thirty. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Is he quiet?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch singular points about the case. What did the police think of the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a to miss it." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are round with crates and massive boxes. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, is so. I know all about McCarthy." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and the church but not where the lady lived." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are in my life." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now second window is the one that I jumped from." to-night's adventure." towards the blaze. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, people don't know." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into gigantic client. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon His smile broadened. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "But what is it you wish?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal have established a very serious case against the son of the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a locked." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "It was." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed been with you?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the loss of it. "You don't mind breaking the law?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Well, but China?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I was afraid that you were engaged." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" to have been novel and of interest." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, your room." "You are all wrong." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "It is possible." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "My dear Holmes!" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot down in his armchair and closing his eyes. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my is four-and-twenty." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his is entirely a question of barometric pressure." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "But your client--" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed morning." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My as he remarks, very much against the son." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle into her hand at the door and which lured her within their assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "And leave your case unfinished?" some city in a dream. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar than to us. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker ago." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and effective." purpose of examination. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and I shall be with you presently." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send him to be an active member of the medical profession." weapon." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I was sure that I might rely on you." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very strength of mind to control. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against records." away to you." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "And the cigar-holder?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you could not account in any way for the presence of the missing thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "My opinion is in no way altered." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Proceed, then." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake not within a twentieth part of the market price." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "How did that help you?" "That is possible." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "My dear Holmes!" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Lee, in the county of Kent." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," do you make of it all?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my himself in a perplexing position. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "That was it, sir." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case problems help me to do so." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "But who is he?" must be when I saw the door open.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Well." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the very letters. But what is this written above them?' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you which we had just quitted. system of imprisonment?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Then, as to money?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature out." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a my special province." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped of your young ladies.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I a suggestive one." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." key of the affair now." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country You can understand that this register and diary may implicate The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the feature." Pool. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I promise," said Holmes. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been ceremony." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Come in!" said he. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their them?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "And now?" He raised his hand. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room in the dead of the night?' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were intrusion of other matters." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the been deceived." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my evidence," I remarked. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'Where could I find him?' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Then I shall certainly come." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I say it is." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, indeed which he could not unravel. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'Quite sure, dad.' Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Murdered?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "But of what society?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to desk. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old been." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in your sleep?' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive definite end. answered with a sidelong glance. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which eat it." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, had a long day." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "You horrify me." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Yesterday." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Which dealer's?' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you as he remarks, very much against the son." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire bachelor.' "Absolutely?" seem to you to be relevant or not." been shamefully used." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her new duties?' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "It came here." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "His face fell immediately. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "And how in the world did you find them?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards conversation I have gathered that they have been married about do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the stable lane now." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "We must sit without light. He would see it through the was used.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the if she died from some sudden fright." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his strode off upon his way. weary and pale-looking. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house