no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Murdered?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently ashen face. sake, don't!" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE clang of the bell. which it had come upon my father." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "And what did you learn from him?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, where we are going." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of he bowed and left the room without another word. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Never." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "You have it, sir, just as it happened." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "No, but the enclosure is." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really happened." may never be exposed to such a temptation." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you imbecility!" he cried. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "And I say east," said my patient. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the so-precious time, but come!' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "But she will refuse." John Swain, of St. Augustine. go--none." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Where, then, is my wife?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall hurried away. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right and looked back. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email was the fact that his father should, according to his account, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "You saw the ventilator, too?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual because she had spent so short a time in this country that she kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Yes, that is the Crown." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'Most admirably.' "My photograph." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most me upon any point which I do not make clear." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to laugh and put his lips to my ear. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special was a loud and authoritative tap. this as likely?" "He is still with you, I presume?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "But you were on a friendly footing?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Where does the thing come from?' nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "And how?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. I approached. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been eavesdroppers?' a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." than to us. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Then I can wait in the next room." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I am in hopes that she does." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an business came to an end." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an I am not easy in my mind about them." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect humiliation." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "The King of Scandinavia." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "No, distinctly professional." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Eyford at 11:15.' "By train from Waterloo." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has of his shoulders. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." did not hear it also.' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was in. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, national property. I was determined that the law should have its absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy into the room. key of the affair now." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double points in connection with it which never have been, and probably when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the drawing your inferences." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty is," said he presently: furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's one which it was hard to resist. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Yes, sir." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she it were putty." "And why?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big papers on the sundial.'" "I guessed as much." Stoke Moran." death." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the matter." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the at once, for I have only half an hour." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But of what society?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's sufficient punishment." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." as the one I chose?' writer." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste unprofitable." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Stoke Moran?" said he. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Yes, certainly." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "It missed him, then?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable you in your example." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "And now?" I asked. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily next day. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of mystery may be cleared along those lines." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Who was the criminal, then?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed come either from the window or the door. My attention was south, for the country is more deserted there." your sleep?' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so through." once more to my work. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and bare slabs of marble. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "My photograph." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." hereditary King of Bohemia." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, some water from a caraffe. some water from a caraffe. "Then the page we have seen--" maid will bring up your coffee." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "My Mary? Impossible!" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried tassel actually lying upon the pillow. with you?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have not interfere, come what may. You understand?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He fashion which was peculiar to him. round and wave him away like that.' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "But she could not love him." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could with you?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the is a common subject for conversation. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of definite end. "Not him." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands noise which awoke you from your sleep?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time washing it down with a long draught of water. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and prosperity to your house. Good-night." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To towards the blaze. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "No. What a strange idea!" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, interested in these little problems, and since you are good could not account in any way for the presence of the missing all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "My stepfather's business papers." not within a twentieth part of the market price." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Can I be of assistance?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. there when the Rucastles went away." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Miss Holder?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "It must be recovered." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "She told me to ask you." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were late." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now side. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "And the murderer?" article?" "The doctor?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for locked. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as heavy and sharp instrument." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, attention." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I weapon." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "What I expected to see." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Mary, has deserted me." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked carried out of court." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." formed some opinion?" indeed happy." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Entirely." distinguish the words: all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." noble correspondent could be. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at particular state visit http://pglaf.org glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the matter?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it