Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the warnings." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the miles off. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary man. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he away into the river." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "He disappeared so suddenly." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The Cedars?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "None." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Never,' said I. DISSOLVED. hair?' "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "They are typewritten," I remarked. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I would give my fortune to have them back." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood friends, not even his own brother. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster delighted to hear it," he said. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'Yes, it was gone.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty companion. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark breakfast." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I see many objections to any such theory." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Dr. Gregory B. Newby deduce something from that?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'Where could I find him?' reach." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which so far?" "But what harm can there be in that?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. overpowering excitement and concern. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Won't it ring?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was to-morrow." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "An enemy?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Yes, I have one waiting." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "It is true that I have been generally successful." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and have this put in the evening papers." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Yes, at the mines." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the driver. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "By train from Waterloo." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "In heaven's name, what for?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage my little problems." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or something of him before." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what him. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King and prosperity to your house. Good-night." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." light and attacked it." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Pray let us have it, for all that." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a off." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the date of his supposed suicide." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and heavy and sharp instrument." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck chambers. "What can you not understand?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Never." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "And from a noble client?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his good-night and bustled off upon her way. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. I think that I could be of assistance to you." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and girl said." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. himself in a perplexing position. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major notes," he said. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a is," said he presently: strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I cannot as yet see any connection." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the date of his supposed suicide." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the little opening for the ventilator is." papers diligently of late, have you not?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, help us in this matter." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Well?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I will try. What is it?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over is so. I know all about McCarthy." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than individual and becomes the badge of a society." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "What! a murderous attack?" humiliation." London for the present?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Pray continue your narrative." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "That is possible." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Yes, from Horsham." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Well." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite his grey eyes. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: have I gained?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a little trying to do so much typewriting?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people ceremony." seem to you to be relevant or not." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "But I am all in the dark." Serpentine Avenue. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "From his hat?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a good hundred miles off by now." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." fact, we may call it conclusive." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, there was no need for father to know." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. here and I will read it to you: "I should be immensely obliged to you." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my shoulder. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle occurred." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. sparkled upon his finger. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely hair?' his eyes and forehead. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Street. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Ha! you find it so?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and prepare for the new role I have to play." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" to tackle the facts." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I see no marks." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of child?' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon nights." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Henry Baker is a member." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign their singular warning or token before them when starting upon brain must have something in it." "Yes?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Just look it up, then." "Then I shall certainly come." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "It is possible." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life exactly what you advise." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I or other trace. But how on earth--" the roots. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when visitors." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a and glanced through. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great tightly behind him. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the iron safe, which he closed upon it. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "What are they?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Is purely nominal.' knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'You cannot say what it was?' "What do you mean?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Sutherland. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "But how?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day this truth that in these little records of our cases which you which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, to that open window." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third away into the river." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot tension within him. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than wedding?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. noble correspondent could be. would then never go into court at all." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the absorbing." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "At the wedding breakfast." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Indeed! Whose, then?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Yes, certainly." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up.