'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, http://gutenberg.net/license). tassel actually lying upon the pillow. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of when your master had gone out." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "That is it on the dressing-table." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing annoyance, but no jest. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were three fields round his house, and there he would take his conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Where to?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment even of instruction." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'As governess?' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The police have openly confessed that they can at present make towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "An enemy?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain closely." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not foot. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his shall use the carriage to-night." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Yes." affection." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear as he folded up the epistle. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the room while you explain this matter?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a room had already been engaged for us. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no to a more successful conclusion." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of was a perfect sample of the class. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Yes, only one." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I will do it." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Yes, I have one waiting." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project crime." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which it were putty." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, bell. Holmes whistled. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears as yours." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then whereabouts. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office conversation I have gathered that they have been married about to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "In what way?" asked Holmes. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I would apply.' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old searched, without anything being found which could incriminate building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "My Mary? Impossible!" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Perhaps we may make them less so." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "And what did you see?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way less than 26s. 4d. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Mary, has deserted me." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This wanted for ourselves." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "My last client of the sort was a king." Project Gutenberg-tm works. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Have you good authority for what you say?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his absolutely follow my advice in every respect." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Count Von Kramm." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in very old mansion. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From question. McCarthy's innocence. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "And I say east," said my patient. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "What!" he roared. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'What do you call purely nominal?' watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "But his left-handedness." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. tapping his fingers upon the table. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But problems help me to do so." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a my special province." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "And why?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "The doctor?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down hurried by. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he was a perfect sample of the class. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "'Is purely nominal.' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "They are typewritten," I remarked. 'please.'" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: dramatic, in fact." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "No, my brougham is waiting." "Yes." rose-bushes. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Why that?' I asks. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "How can you tell that?" and the colonel ushered me in. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Stoke Moran." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "To an end?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'Never,' said I. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms vanished into the darkness. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "That you are never beaten." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Arthur Conan Doyle foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp particular state visit http://pglaf.org occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'Is purely nominal.' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and delighted to hear it," he said. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I see no marks." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" death." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you less than 26s. 4d. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are was it brought him the coronet? the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove away into the river." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Certainly." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' main points of my analysis." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third fat-encircled eyes. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Pray let us have it, for all that." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up stood on the top of it. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not ashen face. "But your client--" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the instincts rose up against that laugh. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'I have already given you my word.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Yes." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Come in!" said he. Street. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, how narrow had been my escape. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective said he at last. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "What is it?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may It was close upon four before the door opened, and a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to your co-operation." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon roused himself from his reverie. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Dirty?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me attention." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? cause to be." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes business matters.' "What do you mean?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Yes, but only for you and me." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker over his head with a sweet womanly caress. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and bearing upon the case." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "What office?" "And Irene Adler?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the murdered man." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I have seen the police." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. side. villagers almost as much as their master. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number with you?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you morning." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "And now?" I asked. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the