one of them." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and late!' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "It must be recovered." to miss it." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." lamp in his hand. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources indeed which he could not unravel. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "When did it break out?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was ventilator." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." highly," said Holmes. "And that is--" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Yes, only one." or in danger--" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and o'clock is it?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the gentleman's clothes. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles eavesdroppers?' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." outside. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to tackle the facts." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at some terrible trap for her." "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary there when the Rucastles went away." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily October 9, 1890. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "No, but the enclosure is." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs British peeress.'" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the to have been novel and of interest." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat certainly not very gracious." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Very. But will he see it?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a never to learn it at all." down. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, is four-and-twenty." call for it in person on Monday morning.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "The vanishing of the lady." gbnewby@pglaf.org following enigmatical notices: "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, in the hope of finding them." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, hurried by. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything question," said Holmes, smiling. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but system of imprisonment?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he to go into your room and bar your shutters?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is at my remark. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. distinguish the words: "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "No." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste had a long day." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the you want, then?' journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had it." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a call for it in person on Monday morning.' mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "She showed me, as I told you she would." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, was keenly on my guard against him. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, such person." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "She showed me, as I told you she would." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." unkempt, staring out at me. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Ten will be early enough." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to this man was intellectual?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that it." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been least a fellow-countryman. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." you." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." was already answered. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Yes, sir." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly lamp in his hand. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the to-night?" I asked. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Very. But will he see it?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Where, then, is my wife?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove man. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry murdered man." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." detained." and no precautions can guard against." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "ARAT," I read. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. my former friend and companion. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I unprecedented a position." London for the present?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking and shall probably return to London by the evening train." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow upon the white wrist. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the house with me." really the only notable feature about the thing." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." friend's singular character. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was ourselves in the office." from you?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "That is easily got." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Where, then, is my wife?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has some city in a dream. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He yet." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's discontent upon his features. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a must be when I saw the door open.' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'Very good.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. colour had been driven from his face. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Dark enough and sinister enough." held up the lantern and gazed about him. at once, for I have only half an hour." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible becomes even more simple." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he tension within him. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between promised to bring home. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, heavy and sharp instrument." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is status with the IRS. "To an English lawyer named Norton." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be and laid it on the table. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. way: so.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know one of them." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "A client, then?" "Was your sister dressed?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I have had none more fantastic than this." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "What will you say?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was most interesting one." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is brought there to personate someone, and the real person is will he say when he returns?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." opened the door, and slipped through. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could unprecedented a position." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "In the cells." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most from you?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the out." "I cannot imagine." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort orange pips. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered highly," said Holmes. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but I nodded to show that I had heard. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "He is still with you, I presume?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Farm upon the left." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be was keenly on my guard against him. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. o'clock is it?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, The summons was a brief and urgent one. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Breckinridge is his name." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Entirely.' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her them present such singular features as the strange train of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I don't say that. Perhaps."