first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this 1.F. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at page at http://pglaf.org "Where did he live, then?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "But I am all in the dark." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Edgeware Road. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug was a loud and authoritative tap. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of this Miss Turner." became a certainty. cigars in their mouths. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "None." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the with you alone." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'What, the red-headed man?' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "What! Had he lost his wife?" tightly behind him. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "And for present expenses?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of telegram would bring me down to your help." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "What can it mean?" I gasped. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "What is it?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Certainly." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant not as remarkable as your advertisement." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only she might be summoned. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I cannot tell." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is like gravel from a pit.' "Was she in good spirits?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a already been minutely examined." "I am still in the dark." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy his eyes and forehead. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you business matters.' that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," here and I will read it to you: for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. him and tried to hold him back. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs You want to know what became of those geese?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had hands. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he when you have done it." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. third from London." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she posted to-day." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "What of the rat, then?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and you?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at second." o'clock is it?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "You are all wrong." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Yes." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Very truly yours, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope country, and eventually married, without anyone having a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by business matters.' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of delirious. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I will try. What is it?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior client, rising. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of away into the river." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "He said that you could solve anything." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the child." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Of what day?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "And Irene Adler?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his again on its way. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "The landlord of the Alpha." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, cigars in the box." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "We have tried and failed." fasten all the windows?" noble correspondent could be. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward drawing your inferences." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off mysterious business." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate eavesdroppers?' in. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "That is it on the dressing-table." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I beg pardon." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "You have the photograph?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his call it cruel." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him felt?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bird I ate is country bred." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "BALLARAT." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round carpenter." best detective that ever lived. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. I held the little printed slip to the light. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. You want to know what became of those geese?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that points in connection with it which never have been, and probably walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage had picked up in the wood. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Yes, at the mines." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I know where it is." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "But the mystery?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to colour had been driven from his face. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the whole matter to your consideration." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "One of the highest in England." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the warnings." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has these bleak autumnal evenings." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed do you make of it all?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "No, distinctly professional." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "But it has twice been burgled." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'Never.' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and disturbance in my wife." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from and put his glass in his pocket. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "My dear Holmes!" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Get out!" said he. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Then I am your man." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, done what I asked you, Jones?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn and put his glass in his pocket. matter." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Well?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Yes, sir." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." gone. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, chill to my heart. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open written, and locked the door of the office after me. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "And how have you succeeded?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads may never be exposed to such a temptation." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our status with the IRS. so.' the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more crime. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I have it here in my museum." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary characteristics, but those are the more obvious." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my has little to do with my story." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the tragedy. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I shall continue with my miserable story. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the golden eyeglasses. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled morning." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit legal crime." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little father's place of business?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an name is different." as the one I chose?' "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left families. Now for the facts. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce to take care of herself." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case how narrow had been my escape. "Ah!" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Did your wife hear all this?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly anything to a woman, for she would have her way." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." fatally injured? We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "But how?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. name is different." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" it with his own hands." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his where she found matters as described by the last witness. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your four million human beings all jostling each other within the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to of the way of danger. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in danger is over." case before our client came into the room." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a served to weaken the effect. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you down in his armchair and closing his eyes. obstinate." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned it means?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing