hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without eat it." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what horse could go." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and place no limit on the sum I may draw." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I will get her to show me." derbies." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Certainly." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "One of the highest in England." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "How did that help you?" Street. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow galvanised. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "No. What a strange idea!" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the late!' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who humiliation." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the with the outside air!" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and 11:15.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Pope's Court. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage advice." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "It's nothing of the kind." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled call you and give you the chance." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Arthur Conan Doyle middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "And that is--" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I think that it is very probable." that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only sneer upon his pale face. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "And why in hopes?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest and it need not interfere very much with one's other would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning that I may have something better before very many minutes are cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and laid it on the table. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, as he remarks, very much against the son." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave key turn in the lock." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, in this way: to tackle the facts." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been over with notes and figures. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I presented more singular features than that which was associated grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "No legal papers or certificates?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly fled together." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "But how will you look?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' a little more before I quite committed myself. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." purpose equally well?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "By all means." in a friendly supper." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" note?" retorted upon me, and I on you." "Has he come with you to-night?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. placed his cuttings. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, next day. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'Then let me do so?' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's 'I should be able to look after that for you.' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "In heaven's name, what for?" and no precautions can guard against." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "We have tried and failed." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business held up the lantern and gazed about him. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is again on its way. think that he is innocent?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Come in!" said Holmes. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" to affect your life." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Yes, it would be as well." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the companion. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I cannot imagine." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not you understand?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. undoubtedly my uncle's." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "And I to find an enemy." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms again." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal his face. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of your sleep?' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which a suggestive one." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Miss Holder?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the business in the City. She little knew what. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she letters?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Yes, at the mines." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I foot. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "On Monday." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "If so, much may have happened between." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a down. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "This concluded the examination of the witness." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home signal between you and your father? husband's writing, madam." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was at home. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "From his hat?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the events than those which have happened in my own family." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the one as in the other." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah mystery." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to where we are going." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up asked. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "And how?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most ventilator." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "No." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "And who is her maid?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know friends, not even his own brother. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Dr. Becher's." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Dirty?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and when your master had gone out." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get present strange and interesting features that it is no easy left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "But what will you do?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Yes." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Where did he live, then?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. husband's writing, madam." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the tell him that I know him to be innocent." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I have my revolver," said I. certainly not very gracious." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing you in yours." used to be." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I am still in the dark." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Dark enough and sinister enough." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Ah!" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I am still in the dark." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the danger is over." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and as yours." "Stolen, then." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. gone. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers his forehead." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and enough to aid us in our search." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' on re-entering her father's house?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into into her hand at the door and which lured her within their vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce tell them apart.' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the foresight and the moral retrogression?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they on re-entering her father's house?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the bed, and you in that chair." "But how will you look?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent bird of prey. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish me." legal crime." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." questioning and rather startled gaze. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Yes." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "And now?" He raised his hand. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish happened." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yesterday." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "We must have a cab." standing smiling on the door-step. "Absolutely?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." invisible to me," I remarked. have an American origin." three of the beryls in it, was missing. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "No, I am descending." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders she used." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of." think that any burglar could have done. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United head. So long, then!" Sholtos." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in some water from a caraffe. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every