"What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" pierced for earrings?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Not in a good cause." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dear old homesteads?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil we went to search for him, face downward in a little "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of of it with the greatest attention. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of what I may call a really hard day's work." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that the gas is not laid on in his house?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. suddenly upon us." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the allusion to a rat. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "By train from Waterloo." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "And you don't know his address?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses remarked. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Come in!" said Holmes. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the bed, and you in that chair." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "My last client of the sort was a king." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." later, upon the night of May 2nd." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows sofa. This way, please!" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I threw himself down with his face to the pillow. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Miss Holder?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I charge against him will break down." I held the little printed slip to the light. walking." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked security.' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better I have it here in my museum." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "'Which dealer's?' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the that threaten you." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to affect your life." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and have this put in the evening papers." some water from a caraffe. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece handed it to him. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and all-comprehensive glances. any." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "What do you make of that, Watson?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not rat could hardly pass through." "Very murderous indeed." business matters.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the bill, which interests me deeply." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions long narrative. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "No, I had a dozen." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious as the one I chose?' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said hereditary King of Bohemia." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I think that he is innocent?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "No, but the enclosure is." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since comes from the middle window." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." electronic works inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I should be immensely obliged to you." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I will get her to show me." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a any little problem which you may submit to me." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of your young ladies.' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that eat it." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. upon the white wrist. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have his knees, staring into the fire. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' IS "The vanishing of the lady." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was your co-operation." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his me." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "But of what society?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, she might be summoned. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the bottom.' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from hand, madam?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Literary Archive Foundation the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "The Coroner: What do you mean? of." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which humiliation." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "What, then?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "One horse?" interjected Holmes. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'Where to?' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating is acting for the best. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "I say it is." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last papers on the sundial.'" himself to tell his story. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, my special province." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "But you have hopes?" "'I have heard so.' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then passage and a tap at the door. "Of Friday, June 19th." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. not fit the lock." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other look dissatisfied." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. results." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I should be immensely obliged to you." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Just look it up, then." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." conduct the inquiry." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'There is a drive, then?' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "What do you mean?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Arthur Conan Doyle "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project success. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel carried out of court." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth lids now and glanced across at his visitor. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already question. "Just look it up, then." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "No bad?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been seen the man in the road." as noiselessly as she had come. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "My Mary? Impossible!" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the been with you?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I should be immensely obliged to you." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home with the outside air!" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Yes, certainly." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "And how?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me people don't know." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, noble correspondent could be. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried it right.' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with outsides of the windows. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per writers could invent nothing more crude." Lee, in the county of Kent." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is ran thus: "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Holmes." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" exactly what you advise." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Were they all fastened this morning?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "By all means." than was visible to me." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found II. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. heavy and sharp instrument." leaning back in his chair. into the room. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his wife has ceased to love him." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I to a more successful conclusion." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "A confidential servant?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are which should have the effect of calling the attention of the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the intrusion of other matters." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though again, where I was soon asleep. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down up this clue while it is still hot." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom his grey eyes. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I should wish to." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much photograph?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & rooms." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the running down." might help us?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I lips." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any