seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and annoyance, but no jest. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Lee, in the county of Kent." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great becomes even more simple." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, 11:15.' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The meant." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of these bleak autumnal evenings." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I cannot imagine." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, strength." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "This concluded the examination of the witness." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Was your sister dressed?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his following enigmatical notices: the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could cheerful." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the might have a private word with us. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "BALLARAT." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his infinite languor in his face. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to-morrow." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he points to suicide?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Henry Baker is a member." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" deduce something from that?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much my friend's incisive reasoning. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the noting anything else of interest. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Yes, he did." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer train.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring back to my heart. reach." the coronet in his hands?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Sutherland. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have call for protection in the marriage market, for the present out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I cannot imagine." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled depend upon your compliance." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Where, then, is my wife?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried served to weaken the effect. fled together." October 9, 1890. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done lamp in his hand. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' when you have done it." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." do.' in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My of." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, sake, don't!" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were quickly through a disagreeable task. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, in darkness. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you over with notes and figures. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He this remarkable episode. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "A call for help, you thought?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I fear not." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am answered with a sidelong glance. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Who by?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn anything to do with the matter?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'Which dealer's?' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook back alive. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed disappearance of these gems?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of During two years I have had three consultations and one small 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "But it has twice been burgled." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Come in!" said Holmes. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Not social, then?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it business came to an end." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "And the cigar-holder?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "In which, sir?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Get out!" said he. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Well, it is a possible supposition." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Pool. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should where we are going." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I am following you closely," I answered. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was his huge brown hands. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Get out!" said he. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us as yours." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only cigars in the box." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense she has been waylaid. There has been no result." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring served to weaken the effect. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened man. I know him from the photograph." second window is the one that I jumped from." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "9th. McCauley cleared. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Did you observe the colour?" "But his lameness?" my little problems." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I will do it." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the window, rose as we entered. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But most interesting one." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." events, Mr. Windibank!" in his power. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I is," said he presently: friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you be.' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "10th. John Swain cleared. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' goes." "One?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from think you a quite exceptional woman." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" populous neighbourhood." existence." wife's character?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the window, rose as we entered. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your particular state visit http://pglaf.org the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it must be when I saw the door open.' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Pray do so." delirious. "Then how many are there?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to miss it." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And how did you verify them?" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been charge against him will break down." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Pope's Court, Fleet Street." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "It is a murder, then?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length chambers. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Then I can wait in the next room." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to that open window." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him death." "Yes." floor. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and danger is over." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case floor. child?' predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain works. See paragraph 1.E below. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "What! You do not mean bodies?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' companion imperturbably. dear old homesteads?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "What have you to say now?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had straightened it out again. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" questionable one." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did weighed down with some great anxiety. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "What do you make of that, Watson?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." round with crates and massive boxes. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes grasp, he hurried from the room. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until digesting their breakfasts at home." to take care of herself." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel drawing your inferences." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with page at http://pglaf.org that you saw all that I did." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." which are rolled in Rotterdam." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "How do you know, then?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. investigation." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Yes, that is the Crown." "I am still in the dark." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster drawing your inferences." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small of." not personally threatened." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you take the flies, but not before." "Not yet." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" retorted upon me, and I on you." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a jewels which you have stolen?' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and the church but not where the lady lived." "Quite so. She has her freedom." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a criminal. We have already had experience of such." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." becomes even more simple." "In answer to an advertisement." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Then the page we have seen--" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Nothing."