round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "That was it, sir." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" you?" "We must have a cab." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were article?" kindly on the shoulder. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to at home. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took gone before you can get him to hospital." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me started for the Temple to see my husband. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "What! You do not mean bodies?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered His smile broadened. astonishment. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that one of them." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "But we can't all be." know what is wrong with it.' "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing one's self under obligations.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And how in the world did you find them?" once more to my work. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "This photograph!" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is character. desk. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" ceremony." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I am still in the dark." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "They are typewritten," I remarked. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was a perfect sample of the class. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I am sure." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable of your young ladies.' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the lamp in his hand. something of him before." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I have my revolver," said I. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid without a word or a look. "The rest you will leave in our hands." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, case before our client came into the room." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and floor. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "My last client of the sort was a king." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed pierced for earrings?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." comes from the middle window." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I don't say that. Perhaps." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "But you can know nothing of this?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you fasten all the windows?" distinguish the words: brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "And how did he make his money?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a other lovers by making love himself." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he business?" paper in the air. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal them present such singular features as the strange train of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could writing, and yet I know it well." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears where we are going." village inn over there?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies dates and names. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is it? Did I buy the geese off you?" as this. Pray let me have the details." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: gentleman's clothes. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Well?" "No." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you II. bedroom door." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number him." out of this horrible affair." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "To ruin me." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout his face which made him a very different person to the round, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. open." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, taking in every detail of the apartment. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' some terrible trap for her." do you make of it all?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. morning." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Dirty?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "But what harm can there be in that?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Absolutely?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and effective." if only as a check to my own memory." cause to be." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg about here speaks of his kindness to him." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Where is it, then?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want populous neighbourhood." again on its way. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, there was no need for father to know." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Come in!" said Holmes. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old if I call to-morrow?" room had already been engaged for us. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of happened." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Pool. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried answered with a sidelong glance. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and companion imperturbably. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this discontent upon his features. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and a very grave face. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is never to learn it at all." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion entirely lost his self-respect." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "What are they?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it this Miss Turner." "No." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other God! What an exposure! What can I do?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "But it has twice been burgled." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I cannot tell." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? may have an influence upon European history." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his there!' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his six. Come in!" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "And it is--" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was any little problem which you may submit to me." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great individual and becomes the badge of a society." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "That is easily got." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "This photograph!" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "That you are never beaten." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "How about poison?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is case-book, which he consulted. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Yes, only one." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "The Cedars?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that be. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "But not more so than I to find you." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four your only hope of safety." your most interesting statement." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I hour?' through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a matters immensely." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to happened." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, lectures into a series of tales." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Whose house is it?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Does that suggest anything?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the general public were present, then?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "We must sit without light. He would see it through the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' bachelor.' "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "None." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" future lives." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I you in yours." conclusions. way in." go--none." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Do you know him?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and good for you to do.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to back alive. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the address that was given us in the advertisement. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence whatever might befall. "'Yes, it was gone.' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one