more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at humiliation." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I cannot tell." "And that is--" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a back to my heart. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong brought there to personate someone, and the real person is dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, nights." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before room?" way in." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think not fit the lock." despair." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Yes." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I am armed." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Tell me all about it,' said I. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for interest. They are important, you understand, without being laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "No sign of it?" meant it for the best. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern me upon any point which I do not make clear." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "And leave your case unfinished?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie and laid it on the table. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is matters immensely." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated she has been waylaid. There has been no result." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It looks newer than the other things?" went to the Alpha were town bred." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which secret." putting in the horse. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Oh, yes, easily." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. article?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fasten all the windows?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "That is not always so easy." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I have seen the police." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the was feeling which was the fattest.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no was a perfect sample of the class. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous sufficient punishment." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian said he at last. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Serpentine Avenue. "Where did you address your letters, then?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I this poor creature." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. man. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Leadenhall Street--and--" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "What?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." than was visible to me." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they which was all perfectly true. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Look there!" said he. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "And did you observe any change in her then?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at in this way: "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." in this way: marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such and glanced through. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be your equipment. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." have not had my rubber." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building them?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an sound at heart." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, to-night." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out your room." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge fatally injured? her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One way in everything. "Then what has happened to him?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Yes." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'You cannot say what it was?' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. opened the door, and slipped through. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "He said that you could solve anything." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came burst out into a roar of laughter. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "You were travelling in the States?" skylight. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera grasp, he hurried from the room. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "And the murderer?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! them present such singular features as the strange train of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. knowledge of the world." "By all means." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." My friend smiled. place no limit on the sum I may draw." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the Red-headed League." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss not personally threatened." lips." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would relief. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in off." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the furiously. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "What of the rat, then?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "You don't mind breaking the law?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "What office?" indeed which he could not unravel. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "It was." answered with a sidelong glance. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "No legal papers or certificates?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was invisible to me," I remarked. "'Yes, sir.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "The Cedars?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I developed." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and The King stared at him in amazement. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. very morning of my second wedding." answer." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "And leave your case unfinished?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his your co-operation." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you certainly not very gracious." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Imitated." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have any more." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "So I heard. You have him here?" to affect your life." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." there!' "One?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless of the efforts of the United States government and of the better more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I quick march!" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You have but to name it." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the coroner come to?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done better grown goose." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And sound at heart." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Never to return." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Texas, I think." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch were new raised from a basin. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of at home. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the will not take me long to tell. "What is it, then--a fire?" Mrs. Toller serenely. lost nothing by them." "Who by?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Stolen." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. union?" this remarkable episode. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun hair?' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for brain must have something in it." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "What office?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to Leatherhead. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "It surprised me." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "When did she vanish, then?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "No." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for father's young wife. ago." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the man. I know him from the photograph." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to matter over." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no affair. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the