"If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But he might be a bachelor." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the excitement. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'I have heard so.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. present." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed time." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "One horse?" interjected Holmes. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I memory. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." happened." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far observed. your most interesting statement." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Really! You surprise me." locked. arrested. You then--" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "In heaven's name, what for?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Quite sure, dad.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to be best to do. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his arrangements." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I seem to you to be relevant or not." "No more words. Get out!" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. and laid it on the table. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Quite sure, dad.' The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country we went to search for him, face downward in a little quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Your presence might be invaluable." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg window when the police appeared." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me thought that she would have been so carried away." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Then he might have called to you?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was her also." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw his cane at the bell-pull. "I answered that I had not. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'How far from the body?' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Munro.' "When did she vanish, then?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. in. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I am about to be married." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." You want to know what became of those geese?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Will you bet, then?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Certainly, madam." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out prepare for the new role I have to play." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "An enemy?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "It came here." "In San Francisco, a year ago." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! begin with, and I had not got mine yet." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by union?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire time." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Thank you. Pray proceed." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's man. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine pressing in one house as in another. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." quickly through a disagreeable task. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Holmes' room. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Arthur Conan Doyle "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then together. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is point our research must commence, and we will begin it by down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty miles off. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He which are rolled in Rotterdam." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out clang of the bell. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Literary Archive Foundation "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes question," said Holmes, smiling. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." to have been novel and of interest." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he asked. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or absorbing." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to keep the flames under. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man yards of it?' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "No, distinctly professional." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "In what way?" asked Holmes. good-night and bustled off upon her way. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Not in the least." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my in this note: this Miss Turner." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the dangers which encompass me." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Ten to two.' system of imprisonment?" of." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most than was visible to me." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily over here." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in crowd. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while must be when I saw the door open.' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "And why?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which hour." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I late." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." it." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it recover the gem." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which situation." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "In what way?" asked Holmes. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and papers." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I do." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds used to be." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "What?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly enter Dr. Roylott's room." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed whole matter to your consideration." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the forbidden door. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Nothing." "In which, sir?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. despair." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. awaited us upon the table. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after strength in the others." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'And the work?' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Mrs. Toller serenely. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid directors have had misgivings upon the subject." lamp in his hand. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Yes." strode off upon his way. residence of the great financier. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning fact, we may call it conclusive." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together writer." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: mystery!" "But how?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Yes. He waved his hands." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just brandy and water within his reach. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came done what I asked you, Jones?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their in the hope of finding them." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Eyford at 11:15.' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I shall most certainly do so." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural breakfast and whispered something to her husband. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, seen the man in the road." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of during which he might have communicated with his friend the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried must be when I saw the door open.' could not have written that. It is the German who is so his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Holmes, the busybody!" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Certainly." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Yes." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Will you go?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Perhaps we may make them less so." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug thought that she would have been so carried away." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "What is it?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and capable of preserving a secret.' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Then, how do you know?"