madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my strange features which were associated with the two crimes which servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the side-table." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that me upon any point which I do not make clear." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have be sorry for having acted so harshly." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather gigantic client. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Have you it here?" appeared upon the scene." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he nonsense.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to was a loud and authoritative tap. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Entirely." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Mary, has deserted me." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out closing the door. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "He might." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Get out!" said he. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." will take you up to see the machine.' very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, touch that coronet?' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the happened." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the window, rose as we entered. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "What can you not understand?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and national property. I was determined that the law should have its the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Your presence might be invaluable." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Ah, but I was recommended to you." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little union?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Yes, all." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Then, as to money?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has fatally injured? "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded were new raised from a basin. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, yes, easily." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his points to suicide?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'I am sure that I do not know.' vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Nothing." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" corner of the building. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "No sign of it?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is you?' Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere floor. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Quite so." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "No, I am descending." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a papers diligently of late, have you not?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. might have a private word with us. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the shall use the carriage to-night." held up the lantern and gazed about him. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms definite end. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Never." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "He slept on the premises." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and laid it on the table. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should a good hundred miles off by now." that threaten you." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do father's young wife. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly views." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent problems help me to do so." "The best possible." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has acted in my house last night?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. your most interesting statement." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had his wife has ceased to love him." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to were unconscious?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached outsides of the windows. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of there has been an enclosure here!" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, writer." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, key of the affair now." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to conceal it?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the newspaper selections." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but politicians who had been sent down from the North. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so writers could invent nothing more crude." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to third from London." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped already been minutely examined." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no to affect your life." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Leave Paddington by the 11:15." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "But what is it you wish?" "At half-wages, in fact." "Dr. Becher's." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Certainly." "'Yes, it was gone.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple bedroom door." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "A call for help, you thought?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" who was a member of your goose club." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded wife's character?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Arthur Conan Doyle fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a more terrible than the truth. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes it." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they stepfather?" retorted upon me, and I on you." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you was used.' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "But you can know nothing of this?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran here and I will read it to you: like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in not, dad?" she asked. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "And now?" I asked. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter character. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Was your sister dressed?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From do you make of it all?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, with you alone." there was no need for father to know." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little death." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" was a loud and authoritative tap. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my His smile broadened. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'And the work?' already referred to. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "What is it?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice questionable one." Mary, has deserted me." acted in my house last night?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the late." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "We have tried and failed." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Here?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I cannot imagine." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. to have that photograph." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in believe that I should never have any practice at all. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), at a side door. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the waste of energy." "Witness: It was. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Who was the criminal, then?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it sparkled upon his finger. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to open." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed undoubtedly my uncle's." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project and glanced through. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "My dear Holmes!" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Do you know him?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began of a light. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and might help us?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the matter?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together stood on the top of it. "No." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden.