better in every way that they should make their position a little window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Do you receive much company?" he asked. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are me. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "He said too much." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall few hundred pounds.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and His smile broadened. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Then he might have called to you?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I guessed as much." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "But I have heard all that you have heard." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to I held the little printed slip to the light. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "But I have heard all that you have heard." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "The murder was done with it." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler looking up at the numbers of the houses." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's there is a decided draught." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "So I heard. You have him here?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to there was no need for father to know." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, kind enough to tell me what I should do." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Of what?" "And why?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "'Then let me do so?' front of me. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us direction." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his go--none." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "You will not go there first?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "It's nothing of the kind." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Yes." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the will not take me long to tell. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. business came to an end." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "No?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the do.' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of during that time.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly as this. Pray let me have the details." from you?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United bell. Holmes whistled. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works must be when I saw the door open.' the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "And how have you succeeded?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Yes." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. The King stared at him in amazement. peculiar to him. "It was an hour's good drive." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the a little more before I quite committed myself. Sutherland?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To you." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot that there was nothing in it, after all." "Here?" "Yes, all." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the date of his supposed suicide." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook be.' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would floor. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we you." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "None. Neville wrote those words." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Proceed, then." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled it means?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently disappearance of these gems?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "No, I am descending." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unkempt, staring out at me. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "What is it, then--a fire?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally this Miss Turner." me what he had done with the three missing stones. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had ordinary clothes on?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is this as likely?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel I nodded again. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "I am to be neutral?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step had no one to advise her at such a crisis." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable our word." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Heh?' the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I will, Miss Turner." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with gone. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a outside." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that questioning and rather startled gaze. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "When did she vanish, then?" disturbance in my wife." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases seen the man in the road." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of long narrative. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. new acquaintance to Baker Street. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not important." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock weapon." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll information in his hands the value of which he did not himself He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Imitated." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I cannot tell." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may points in connection with it which never have been, and probably moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it dead, shall be safe with us." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Eh? What was that?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "It is solved." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His brought there to personate someone, and the real person is memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. system of imprisonment?" "I say it is." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their sufficient punishment." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I am in hopes that she does." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever peculiar to him. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Yes, sir." read over the extraordinary announcement. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the were new raised from a basin. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. suspect him." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down that before taking the final step I should like to submit the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been in my life." waste of energy." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "But he might be a bachelor." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down article?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. she might be summoned. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your nonsense.' "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "My private note-paper." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes." some city in a dream. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it copied or distributed: extraordinary contortions. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private his cane at the bell-pull. views." them present such singular features as the strange train of "No, distinctly professional." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for go back?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and could go. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I where she found matters as described by the last witness. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." companion imperturbably. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" cup of tea. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I am armed." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. which our visitor detailed to us. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he words came to my lips. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my key turn in the lock." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "One horse?" interjected Holmes. case-book, which he consulted. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that him!" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? what these perils are?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "A call for help, you thought?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "You have the photograph?"