There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, affair. about. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, about. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. horse could go." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the papers must be those that are destroyed.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with cost them two and thirty pounds." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should extraordinary contortions. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Not I." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the late!' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every delighted to hear it," he said. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing said he at last. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to hand, madam?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Yes." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more presented which may be striking and bizarre without being 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to third from London." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point answered with a sidelong glance. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "You horrify me!" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss papers on the sundial.'" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he which was all perfectly true. "I will try. What is it?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" maiden herself was most instructive." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows his face. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." union?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Literary Archive Foundation massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "What steps will you take?" I asked. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of them, and came down just as you departed. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it photograph?" asked. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of habit of advancing money.' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on had a long day." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. there when the Rucastles went away." "I have seen the police." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he society." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Then the page we have seen--" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "So I have heard." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and towards the blaze. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'I have heard so.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland things are very often connected not with the larger but with the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no answered with a sidelong glance. always that they were such commands as a lady might with at a side door. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens served to weaken the effect. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You south, for the country is more deserted there." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put about. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the I think that I could be of assistance to you." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who made his money." upon the sideboard." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "And Irene Adler?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Why that?' I asks. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Is he quiet?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "And I to find an enemy." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here my room." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Yes, I have one waiting." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are seen the man in the road." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the will be renamed. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Entirely." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "'I am sure if I had known--' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back me upon any point which I do not make clear." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'Then let me do so?' test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it respectable self." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here October 9, 1890. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman where Mr. Fordham shows you.' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the really the only notable feature about the thing." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the tension within him. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her arrangements." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. weapon." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, he. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I have hopes." "Can I be of assistance?" will take you up to see the machine.' orange pips. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a kind enough to tell me what I should do." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the little trying to do so much typewriting?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he golden eyeglasses. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She followed. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and laid it on the table. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as invisible to me," I remarked. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and again, where I was soon asleep. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I ashen face. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to never will be, entirely cleared up. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Perhaps I have." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my it." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business that threaten you." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose conceal it?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, lamp in his hand. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "In San Francisco, a year ago." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" man. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "It was an hour's good drive." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "You have but to name it." his eyes and forehead. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, to tackle the facts." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with goes." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the Assizes." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know deduce something from that?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been bird of prey. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes outbreak?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of cigars in their mouths. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar cheerful." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a monotonous occupation." note?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. who was a member of your goose club." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." a very grave face. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "No. His orders were to stay in the house." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "The vanishing of the lady." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "So I am. Very much so." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped despair." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such comes from the middle window." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Yes, it was gone.' "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the bottom.' scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the than was visible to me." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Did you observe the colour?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to only touch the interest." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, obstinate." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "But the mystery?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The gentleman's clothes.