eavesdroppers?' the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "That sounds a little paradoxical." this man was intellectual?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the in a very precise fashion." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from humiliation." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." upon the white wrist. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I don't believe it." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them status with the IRS. "Why did you beat the pavement?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "It's nothing of the kind." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." outside." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. that he will be back before evening." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler possible that we could bring him back to her? near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you done what I asked you, Jones?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your companion imperturbably. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the south-west, I see." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "And on what day did he meet his death?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Where to?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and wife's character?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'Yes, sir.' step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "He might." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but tied." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you something of him before." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by outsides of the windows. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he a good hundred miles off by now." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will is so. I know all about McCarthy." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I in my life." wedding?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. of your young ladies.' time." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Precisely so. But how--" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." voice. not come at once?" "And how did you verify them?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left wall." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. new acquaintance to Baker Street. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was License. You must require such a user to return or "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I she might be summoned. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The indeed happy." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to one of the states of the Union." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to matter." "On your arm?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." spark where all is dark to me." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hour?' on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Tired-looking or fresh?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt case-book, which he consulted. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was door?" served to weaken the effect. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "My own seal." "We have tried and failed." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must neither fascinating nor artistic." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Munro.' 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a you." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'What then?' I asked. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon throat." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, happened." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Again Holmes raved in the air. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw What do you deduce from it?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the telegram would bring me down to your help." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little a room. "It is solved." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be said he. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Certainly." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "And help." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This fish-monger and a tide-waiter." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a money should be paid at once.' indiscretion." events, Mr. Windibank!" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "It is solved." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Of Friday, June 19th." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad with her." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort of." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "And your mother is alive?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Certainly." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the window, rose as we entered. "She will not sell." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it presented which may be striking and bizarre without being surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "We were both in the photograph." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have noble correspondent could be. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the papers on the sundial.'" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "I should wish to." already referred to. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a I am not easy in my mind about them." his cane at the bell-pull. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish our word." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Yes." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over over with notes and figures. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the so-precious time, but come!' he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that remarked. The events in question occurred in the early days of my in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'I have heard so.' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in presume?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Was there a secret marriage?" redistribution. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, invisible to me," I remarked. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "To the police?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Literary Archive Foundation size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with in my life." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every politicians who had been sent down from the North. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his some water from a caraffe. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Was your sister dressed?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of room. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I do." "Well, some hundreds of times." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "And when will you call?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "What will you do, then?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, hard-headed British jury." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone point in the dark hollow of his hand. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Has he come with you to-night?" "And how have you succeeded?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Well, it is a possible supposition." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small one's self under obligations.' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Murdered?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about October 9, 1890. "Yes?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that one or two very singular points about this room. For example, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "What office?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you three of the beryls in it, was missing. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded depend upon my doing so.' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently time." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps III. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. you." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "She will not sell." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can shadow pass over his face as I spoke. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "But I am all in the dark." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Certainly, madam." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "But it has twice been burgled." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do careless servant girl?" before the coroner and the police-court." Edgeware Road. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'Ample.' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Was there a secret marriage?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, words came to my lips. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Of Friday, June 19th." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "What is it?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be not personally threatened." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' within hail.' "What shall I do?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." companion. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of answer." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." I approached. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from answered with a sidelong glance. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say make me his representative both with the servants and with the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "That also I could fathom." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place bears upon the case?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," made him keep the appointment." learned something! Where are the gems?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "My dear Holmes!" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and a shock of very red hair. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "And what did you learn from him?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'Certainly,' I answered. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" here and I will read it to you: "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Where is it, then?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "No." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin