with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" memory. the devil!" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Yes." "'What, the red-headed man?' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Perfectly so." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking stammered. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" his cane at the bell-pull. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to as yours." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'You cannot say what it was?' returned to France?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "How long did she speak to this Alice?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the reach." My friend smiled. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." is," said he presently: a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, mystery." Mary, has deserted me." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Yes, he did." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. best detective that ever lived. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had she slowly sank and died without having recovered her again, where I was soon asleep. locked. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to status with the IRS. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. green of the new foliage. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" asked. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint back alive. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible me, and I could not think that his explanation of the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Yes." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "But your client--" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the one of the states of the Union." business matters.' finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Never." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." particular state visit http://pglaf.org sufficient punishment." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be nonsense.' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "One?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a straightened it out again. "Witness: Nothing definite. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, just called myself is not exactly my own." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that shoulder; "he's all right." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Why, what do you mean?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money believe that I should never have any practice at all. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? fluttered off among the others. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter weighed down with some great anxiety. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a status with the IRS. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Who was the criminal, then?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to power." money should be paid at once.' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "And how in the world did you find them?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is with you alone." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't more terrible than the truth. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Yes?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before views." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you http://www.gutenberg.net "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." presume?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. an introduction to him?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had mystery." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very not, dad?" she asked. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "No." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and interested in these little problems, and since you are good hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Here?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the matter." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to gone. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Very well, sir. And this stone?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" that he has suffered." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner forehead. said he. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought room. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Have you good authority for what you say?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get bled considerably." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Can I be of assistance?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the highroad, where all traces were lost. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His became a certainty. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'How far from the body?' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Ha! you find it so?" "I am sure." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years it with his own hands." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" you?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather photograph?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your breakfast?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "What can you not understand?" "Precisely." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated will find little credit to be gained out of this case." 11:15.' orange pips. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Absolutely none." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Whose house is it?" mysterious business." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of it with the greatest attention. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the very morning of the wedding." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining that I am arrested." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin look upon these things in a different way." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "But how?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "How do you know, then?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days forecastle of an emigrant ship. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' front of me. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Was the window open?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Did you observe the colour?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in was feeling which was the fattest.' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Holmes." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been of Fenchurch Street." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take in the dead of the night?' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in indiscretion." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 without a word or a look. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Proceed, then." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Then I am your man." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Yes?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. wedding?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, face and glided from the room. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, my secret was safe in his possession. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass mystery!" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking do you make of it all?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Yes." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel lost his Christmas dinner." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "My private note-paper." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the furiously. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an you." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Yes." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and the colonel ushered me in. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Mrs. Toller serenely. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will society." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry weighed down with some great anxiety. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with was used.' her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the cost them two and thirty pounds." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six made his money." "You have a clue?"