"I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' derbies." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small digesting their breakfasts at home." were wasted." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I cannot tell." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "That is possible." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my persecution?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some carriage. It was a chestnut." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "To an end?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such towards the blaze. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I cannot imagine." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, south, for the country is more deserted there." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been bore every mark of being an average commonplace British was it brought him the coronet? giving me time to thank him. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the official police." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Clair, of Lee." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an never came back." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his been anything against him. He had for years been known as a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat handed it to him. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Then I am your man." will he say when he returns?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of might have a private word with us. should be taken.' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he rat could hardly pass through." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "I would pay ten." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to important." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." hour." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming society." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the never will be, entirely cleared up. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Countess of Morcar's?" "So I am. Very much so." nights." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Pray let us have it, for all that." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by letters?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You have a clue?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for existence." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through all that?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Ha! you find it so?" "Yes?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "One of the highest in England." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday that there was nothing in it, after all." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "That you are never beaten." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as acted in my house last night?" "Come in!" said he. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Surrey." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. looking up at the numbers of the houses." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. your room." down. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "You forget that I know nothing about it." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock strength." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away breakfast?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white during that time.' could go. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To purpose equally well?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Mrs. Toller serenely. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Heh?' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from foresight and the moral retrogression?" lost his Christmas dinner." "What of the rat, then?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no fact, we may call it conclusive." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I would pay ten." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that secret." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "What do you make of that, Watson?" went to the Alpha were town bred." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Chief Executive and Director running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the papers on the sundial.'" in my life." new duties?' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Get out!" said he. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call not use it unless it is absolutely needed." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "And you thought he was pulled back?" maiden herself was most instructive." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off furiously. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "When did it break out?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Do you know him?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I matter." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Ah!" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right congratulate you again." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the south-west, I see." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "What will you do, then?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful brought there to personate someone, and the real person is impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down from the brougham. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front some terrible trap for her." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others outbreak?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "And help." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your in my life." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a His smile broadened. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she address. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Was there a secret marriage?" society." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "One of the highest in England." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. IS lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "And the murderer?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and away to you." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "What can you not understand?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much joking. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "What! You do not mean bodies?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "No. His orders were to stay in the house." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "What will you do, then?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "But you were on a friendly footing?" "He might." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting not come at once?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried himself to tell his story. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'And what salary do you ask?' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, me." shall not find me ungrateful." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as quick march!" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Young McCarthy must be got off, however." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as door?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as your bag." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the nursery. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would me where it went to?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I distinguish the words: George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Do you know him?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I think it very unlikely." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a will not take me long to tell. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the child." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the inquest, and which are worth considering." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Come in!" said he. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that question. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or awaited us upon the table. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her one else, I think." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the system of imprisonment?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such out of this horrible affair." IS even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "And what did you see?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' was it brought him the coronet? at my remark. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Precisely." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of fire. You quite follow me?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Yes, sir.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and possible that we could bring him back to her? massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. returning from some small jollification and was making his way on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'Certainly,' I answered. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close papers." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. skylight. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'Is purely nominal.'