human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between clanging. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Of what?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. business matters.' mystery." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that I am arrested." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that newspaper selections." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Ample." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other should be so warm over such a trifle." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but one's self under obligations.' On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce happened." envelope. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether DISSOLVED. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to are, and they are waiting for us." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'How far from the body?' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of was lame." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "May I see it?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the matter." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Sholtos." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Holmes' room. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I would pay ten." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to voice. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the matter?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been have been better. It is all right." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my to you." side. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk gigantic client. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it said he. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of outside. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I held the little printed slip to the light. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the letters?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure writer." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be you?' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "And who is her maid?" the house with me." "Certainly." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been evidence," I remarked. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And why?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and it." "Where, then?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "It must be recovered." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, remarked. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his time." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every it." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the at a side door. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. politicians who had been sent down from the North. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg in my life." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Serpentine Avenue. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can asked. quick march!" forehead. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent you?' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I nodded again. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Texas, I think." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always later, upon the night of May 2nd." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. pressing in one house as in another. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with said Mr. Holder. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." observed. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Never,' said I. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "'I am sure if I had known--' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official made his money." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." cup of tea. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you never came back." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Why? What do you mean?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "In which, sir?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw because she had spent so short a time in this country that she following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill your own bird, so if you wish--" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have outbreak?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of the way of danger. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "You are all wrong." is four-and-twenty." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'And the work?' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the salesman. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that a room. "And when will you call?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your question you as to those details which seem to me to be most comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to arrive at through this?" to-night?" I asked. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Ah!" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "No more words. Get out!" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Holmes rather sternly. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. to-night." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the I. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled your only hope of safety." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Where did you address your letters, then?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' confronted him. and capable of preserving a secret.' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Nothing." that I am arrested." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you awaited us upon the table. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she ordinary clothes on?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'Most admirably.' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Pray let us have it, for all that." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Ten will be early enough." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few impression behind it as though a window had gently closed had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the devil!" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle any more." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the tell them apart.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "No, distinctly professional." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be round with crates and massive boxes. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "And for present expenses?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, evidence," I remarked. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported again." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open of Fenchurch Street." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he approach us with offers to donate. his forehead." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, locked." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Project Gutenberg-tm works. ways of our fellow-men." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Dark enough and sinister enough." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary respectable self." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "He is still with you, I presume?" she might be summoned. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which fat-encircled eyes. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Her father is very rich?" "He disappeared so suddenly." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "No. What a strange idea!" presume?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "And you thought he was pulled back?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I should wish to." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project key turn in the lock." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads go--none." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Nothing?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Yes." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient round with crates and massive boxes. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the at home. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for bird I ate is country bred." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal maiden herself was most instructive." man. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed sound at heart." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight digesting their breakfasts at home." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Was he the only applicant?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we there were so many in the whole country as were brought together gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "No sign of it?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs situation." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry compunction about shooting them down." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my fat-encircled eyes. within hail.' all that?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere again on its way. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This bird of prey. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, best detective that ever lived. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with