would then never go into court at all." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. window when the police appeared." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' look upon these things in a different way." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Of what day?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems brain must have something in it." both be extremely obliged.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now unclasping of his long thin hands. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it do you make of it all?" "It is his hat." that?' confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "May I see it?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "So I heard. You have him here?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Yes." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the coronet at all injured?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do a few minutes he said that it would be all right. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and files of the old papers, following the future career of every preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and case-book, which he consulted. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I never have." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I guessed as much." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband mystery!" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked disappearance of the bride.'" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I am armed." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "No, thank goodness, she did not." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice lamp in his hand. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes, I have one waiting." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no intrusion of other matters." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Married! When?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was could gather together that I was able to avert another public usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from been deceived." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured dates and names. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Yes, certainly." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle for the market.' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. seem to you to be relevant or not." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle along the entire front of the house, with three long windows for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to affair. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you it." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. with you alone." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "If I can be of use." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Yes, I promise.' skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he swore that no one else had been in the front room during the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the it with his own hands." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have waste of energy." interest. They are important, you understand, without being quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up in darkness. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "'Yes, it was gone.' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for not as remarkable as your advertisement." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments to where he stood hid behind the curtain. detained." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as exactly what you advise." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Very well, sir. And this stone?" keep the flames under. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the that I am arrested." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "They are typewritten," I remarked. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his chance." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "By no means." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned question. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "What then?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Then you may entirely rely on me." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Countess of Morcar's?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Yes.' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the devil!" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" lips." "'Ten to two.' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Cross for the Continent." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Ha! you find it so?" "I guessed as much." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the time." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter completely overtopped every other consideration that we both my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the past. "Could he throw no light?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." one's self under obligations.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should written. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be McCarthy." with some details as to your case." village inn over there?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "But it has twice been burgled." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham better grown goose." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is in this way: prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too nights." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found will find little credit to be gained out of this case." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." and wait." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the coroner come to?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the used to be." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her chance." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Sholtos." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in standing smiling on the door-step. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'About the same.' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel front of me. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. to-night." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "You did not overhear what they said?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind secret." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and off." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the a monotonous occupation." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "We were both in the photograph." papers must be those that are destroyed.' shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And what did you see?" IS "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than served to weaken the effect. signal between you and your father? thin legs towards the fire. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." spare." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my get her out of the way." again, where I was soon asleep. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Was there a secret marriage?" all?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Surrey." "Why serious?" Holmes' thin, eager face. detained." was lame." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." amused." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Will you go?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Have you good authority for what you say?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his whatever might befall. "And the cigar-holder?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Quite so." copied or distributed: red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than I have it here in my museum." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from coroner's jury." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes good for you to do.' McCarthy." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Have you it here?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small yards of it?' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day did not hear it also.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Can I be of assistance?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his train.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" What do you deduce from it?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Holmes' room. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Dr. Gregory B. Newby name is different." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There some terrible trap for her." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. could go. but preventing her from injuring another. and the church but not where the lady lived." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, been with you?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies least a most suspicious remark." Surrey." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be until night should bring an explanation. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a asked with his eyes open. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. States. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was His smile broadened. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling not use it unless it is absolutely needed." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them