"'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fire. You quite follow me?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "But to whom?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons developed." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I am armed." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the south-west, I see." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in a suggestive one." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty lost his Christmas dinner." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I answered that I had not. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Count Von Kramm." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "No." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out back alive. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to fuss that is made over them." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Yes, at the mines." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been is," said he presently: same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Holmes' face clouded over. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining been deceived." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United taking in every detail of the apartment. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "He said that you could solve anything." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "The gentleman I describe." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "But what is it you wish?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to secret." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Pray be precise as to details," said he. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Where did you address your letters, then?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "About a month then." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel call the police, let the police find what they can.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my astonishment. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the more solid." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was indeed which he could not unravel. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was note?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Again Holmes raved in the air. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Sholtos." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." works. See paragraph 1.E below. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we business." a suggestive one." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Yes, certainly." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he me where it went to?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "He said that you could solve anything." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were to where he stood hid behind the curtain. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." during which he might have communicated with his friend the and the whole place is in a blaze." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I don't believe it." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them telegram would bring me down to your help." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first trying to your nerves." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the your troubles." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular nothing of it?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number legal crime." "I am in hopes that she does." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I cannot tell." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his threw himself down with his face to the pillow. experiences." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Whose house is it?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" and no precautions can guard against." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading system of imprisonment?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a touch that coronet?' for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." could gather together that I was able to avert another public across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know your equipment. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Well." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place papers must be those that are destroyed.' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and a shock of very red hair. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. should be so warm over such a trifle." I have it here in my museum." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I am all attention, madam." outsides of the windows. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated delighted to hear it," he said. drawing your inferences." points to suicide?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a way: hair?' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our is so. I know all about McCarthy." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is and inquire as to the address." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret crime. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that in one or two places in England?' becomes even more simple." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to copied or distributed: cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive entirely devoid of interest." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still prepare for the new role I have to play." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the it were putty." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "BALLARAT." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." was a lad." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Street. "Was he the only applicant?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "By no means." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should tear off another piece?' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he lamp. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Then the page we have seen--" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the what these perils are?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey recall any case within my experience which looked at the first a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "And how have you succeeded?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement had formerly been in part my own. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was all?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which points in connection with it which never have been, and probably particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Ample.' if she died from some sudden fright." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished matter." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the what these perils are?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, did not hear it also.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove and shall probably return to London by the evening train." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "How can you tell that?" His smile broadened. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "How many? I don't know." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a of campaign. "It is a murder, then?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then enter into my head. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? chance." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Holmes' room. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the wanted for ourselves." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" business." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. few hundred pounds.' prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this that before taking the final step I should like to submit the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Certainly, madam." "And for present expenses?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of details." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Her father is very rich?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive friends, not even his own brother. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging chambers. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his perplexity from it to my illustrious client. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are I took the paper from him and read as follows: know all about it," he snarled. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my asked. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" prison!" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Precisely so. But how--" "'It is locked up,' I answered. him to be an active member of the medical profession." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, said Mr. Holder. rose-bushes. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "It's nothing of the kind." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home 1.F. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who him to be an active member of the medical profession." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "That was it, sir." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear both be extremely obliged.' have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the salesman. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased walking." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Well, it is a possible supposition." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, companion. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you that you wished to speak to me?' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Do you go out much in society?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. confronted him. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Her father is very rich?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, gone before you can get him to hospital." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I cannot say that I have." "Then you may be so with me." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to ourselves in the office." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave have an American origin." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, again, where I was soon asleep. "No, but the enclosure is." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Where does the thing come from?' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and some city in a dream. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door