he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that you in yours." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger true." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "What! Had he lost his wife?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Nothing?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Well, it is a possible supposition." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. he bowed and left the room without another word. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It was an hour's good drive." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a were new raised from a basin. an introduction to him?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I only touch the interest." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Can I be of assistance?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. get her out of the way." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some next day. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your thin legs towards the fire. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Nothing?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he undoubtedly my uncle's." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Was he the only applicant?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up yards of it?' a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was anything to a woman, for she would have her way." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "It must be recovered." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "I guessed as much." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door meanly of me." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were said he. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "He said that you could solve anything." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My any little problem which you may submit to me." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "This photograph!" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to-night?' Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "What do you mean?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, gbnewby@pglaf.org "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "'Where to?' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I am sure." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "And who is her maid?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. chill to my heart. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw during which he might have communicated with his friend the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he me. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs yourselves in at night?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round article?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found appointment with me for six o'clock?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous wedding?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Well." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in joking. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no them?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to here." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "This photograph!" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Where, then, is my wife?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the King without delay." "It is very clear." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Yes, it was gone.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' there!' to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Countess of Morcar's?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "The landlord of the Alpha." business?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Could he throw no light?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "That you are never beaten." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "That also I could fathom." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for main points of my analysis." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Yes, he did." "He said that you could solve anything." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Yes." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a recover the gem." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Not social, then?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country name is different." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I kindly on the shoulder. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "And who is her maid?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'Most admirably.' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. answer." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the window, rose as we entered. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Nothing." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we him and tried to hold him back. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I a suggestive one." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a gentleman's clothes. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Entirely." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to had picked up in the wood. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the highroad, where all traces were lost. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite appeared upon the scene." this poor creature." disappearance of these gems?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door this truth that in these little records of our cases which you pound a week." astonishment. good-night and bustled off upon her way. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "My photograph." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and glanced through. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly http://www.gutenberg.net relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Entirely." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "But how?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the at my remark. "Yesterday." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Yes, but only for you and me." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Very much so." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had that I can to serve you." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was eat it." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, The King stared at him in amazement. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "How did he come?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" shoulder; "he's all right." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Eyford." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the husband's writing, madam." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Two days later this same performance was gone through under saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I beg pardon." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I cannot say that I have." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the one as in the other." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them copied or distributed: ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening not, dad?" she asked. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to