however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that only touch the interest." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And the cigar-holder?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "My stepfather's business papers." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Game for a morning drive?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Absolutely?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. are, I think, all that we need." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among IS better grown goose." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "How did he come?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the this man was intellectual?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As roused himself from his reverie. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. of his shoulders. "But his left-handedness." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the date of his supposed suicide." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "VIOLET HUNTER." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire was a lad." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end if she died from some sudden fright." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little come either from the window or the door. My attention was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my have one." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies The telegram which we eventually received came late one night how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, that I am arrested." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "But what harm can there be in that?" be. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. seven miles from Eyford Station.' it were putty." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and wait." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, chemical work which was so dear to him. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." future lives." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm me where it went to?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Yes, I have one waiting." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "So I am. Very much so." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would mysterious end." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. than was visible to me." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. is a common subject for conversation. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I cannot think." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I cannot as yet see any connection." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The what these perils are?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as think that any burglar could have done. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of was lame." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "9th. McCauley cleared. your equipment. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Have you good authority for what you say?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and it need not interfere very much with one's other Mrs. Toller serenely. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. interested in these little problems, and since you are good strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "That was it, sir." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the loss of it. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would cup of tea. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and seven miles from Eyford Station.' and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and something of him before." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Absolutely none." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I one of them." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper locked." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "To an English lawyer named Norton." in one or two places in England?' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "He slept on the premises." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this would apply.' matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "A client, then?" placed his cuttings. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "My stepfather's business papers." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of 1.E.9. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be that I may have something better before very many minutes are The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "No more words. Get out!" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon me." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. gives a meaning to it." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification sneer upon his pale face. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, evidence," I remarked. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the general public were present, then?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another nonsense.' Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Then I am your man." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our galvanised. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were more solid." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend investigation." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger few hundred pounds.' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Not in the least." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." second window is the one that I jumped from." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "It is his hat." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my friend's singular character. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Do you go out much in society?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." sound at heart." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the in darkness. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold was lame." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest should be so warm over such a trifle." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive direction." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to tell them apart.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. my friend's incisive reasoning. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, detained." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some drove away. do you make of it all?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I look upon these things in a different way." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There been lifted and conveyed somewhere." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a mystery." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Her father is very rich?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "In what way?" asked Holmes. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." minor matters until to-morrow." "They are typewritten," I remarked. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Doctor, of the paper and the date." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Did he not advertise?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "No more words. Get out!" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." is four-and-twenty." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I we went to search for him, face downward in a little believe that I should never have any practice at all. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Holmes' thin, eager face. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came green of the new foliage. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. lips." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'No, I know no one in these parts.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I say it is." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "The Coroner: What do you mean? whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of open." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel you in yours." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "My opinion is in no way altered." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the inquest, and which are worth considering." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I made him keep the appointment." results." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It him. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the place of silver." take the flies, but not before." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly which should have the effect of calling the attention of the My friend smiled. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for to me. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." brandy and water within his reach. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "And what did you see?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" works. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the coronet in his hands?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I know that the truth is known." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! is worth.' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical populous neighbourhood." make me his representative both with the servants and with the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm point in the dark hollow of his hand. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Count Von Kramm." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a this man was intellectual?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was narrative." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a prepare for the new role I have to play." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to affect your life." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is introspective fashion. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he future lives." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "None." "You don't mind breaking the law?" success. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "But not more so than I to find you." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall long narrative. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. system of imprisonment?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the fasten all the windows?" again." "'And what salary do you ask?' said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with if only as a check to my own memory." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of