undoubtedly my uncle's." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of not fit the lock." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid place no limit on the sum I may draw." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and garden below. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to his chemical studies. them present such singular features as the strange train of row." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left soul! here is her carriage at the door." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "He is still with you, I presume?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, fire. You quite follow me?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind along the entire front of the house, with three long windows sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in companion imperturbably. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'Stolen!' he cried. was keenly on my guard against him. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before fact, we may call it conclusive." at a side door. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Stoke Moran." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "But his left-handedness." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I shoulder. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. society." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual three of the beryls in it, was missing. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The late." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where meant it for the best. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. read over the extraordinary announcement. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It missed him, then?" "My dear Holmes!" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Eyford at 11:15.' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. ourselves in the office." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few advice." within hail.' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the window, rose as we entered. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers her also." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "The rest you will leave in our hands." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep secret." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Count Von Kramm." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of already referred to. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'What then?' I asked. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he again before evening." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact note?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, affection." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for relief. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, together. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I fear not." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the matter?" allusion to a rat. he bowed and left the room without another word. "Why serious?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I guessed as much." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Was the window open?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, coat-tails." Holmes rather sternly. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had later, upon the night of May 2nd." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "But what will you do?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "It is his hat." criminal. We have already had experience of such." was lame." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. introspective fashion. possible that we could bring him back to her? "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Where to?' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Then you may be so with me." careless servant girl?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took will not take me long to tell. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your exactly what you advise." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. bearing upon the case." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I locked." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke some place of shelter and let the county police know what has crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and you for a few hours?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged was used.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'How far from the body?' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Yes, but only for you and me." "By train from Waterloo." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "The rest you will leave in our hands." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Look there!" said he. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, back alive. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "What office?" your room." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Oh, no.' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "By train from Waterloo." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "But you were on a friendly footing?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Ah!" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Munro.' http://www.gutenberg.net coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Then, as to money?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. do.' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I am sure." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." you, my dear young lady?' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As thought that she would have been so carried away." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "What do you mean?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Perfectly so." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the room while you explain this matter?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his your bag." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a outside. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow out." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free of his shoulders. any." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work existence." is acting for the best. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. fatally injured? "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Yes, I have one waiting." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this four million human beings all jostling each other within the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his than was visible to me." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small this poor creature." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the one else, I think." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just extraordinary contortions. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Her father is very rich?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the charged with?" "Breckinridge is his name." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "That is easily got." "'What then?' I asked. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he for its centre. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE and I shall be with you presently." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him off." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "You don't mind breaking the law?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Dr. Becher's." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or late." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, persecution?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this correct than the official force." "I shall be delighted." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing