who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Eyford at 11:15.' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Yes, there are nearly always some there." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with bearing upon the case." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property weighed down with some great anxiety. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. lost nothing by them." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child and laid it on the table. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. was lame." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, voice. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind how narrow had been my escape. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been train.' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have closely." already been minutely examined." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend 'please.'" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his wanted for ourselves." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! will be renamed. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Where, then, is my wife?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement are, and they are waiting for us." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the side-table." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "And I." "And how?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "They are typewritten," I remarked. noting anything else of interest. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Your French gold?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in remarked. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "If so, much may have happened between." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." at once, for I have only half an hour." "'And the work?' used to be." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, started for the Temple to see my husband. within hail.' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is companion imperturbably. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, spare." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "That sounds a little paradoxical." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." never will be, entirely cleared up. "It is a murder, then?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit during that time.' was used.' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the morning." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "And what then?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a his cane at the bell-pull. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" over with notes and figures. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "And what did you learn from him?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his for securing the situation." "A greater distance to travel." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'Yes, sir.' corner of the building. tell him that I know him to be innocent." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing villagers almost as much as their master. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "What of the rat, then?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a with you alone." taking in every detail of the apartment. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and stalked out of the room. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of fact, we may call it conclusive." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon chill to my heart. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Now, then, what's the last entry?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses events than those which have happened in my own family." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be arrangements." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at habit of advancing money.' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Watson," he said cordially. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As suggested at once that there must be a communication between the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the who was a member of your goose club." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words conclusions. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Stolen, then." up this clue while it is still hot." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant are windows in it, of course?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came she might be summoned. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't there were so many in the whole country as were brought together you want, then?' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small lost his Christmas dinner." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. which we had just quitted. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "May I see it?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." rose-bushes. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he one's self under obligations.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Which dealer's?' suddenly upon us." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Entirely." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Yes." "The murder was done with it." "No legal papers or certificates?" a little more before I quite committed myself. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I which our visitor detailed to us. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the general public were present, then?" "I see no marks." "But how?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the side-table." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek front of the hall door has given its name to the place. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know what do you think they found in the pockets?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself congratulate you again." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever James Windibank. Voilà tout!" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Mary, has deserted me." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to if she died from some sudden fright." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It was an hour's good drive." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Clair, of Lee." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or to have that photograph." with some details as to your case." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And Irene Adler?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Then what has happened to him?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of residence of the great financier. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the been deceived." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "No more words. Get out!" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "In San Francisco, a year ago." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of memory. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his green of the new foliage. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more society." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "But who is he?" "None." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage you found me to-night--and running through the front room she go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I am all attention, madam." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the address that was given us in the advertisement. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, south, for the country is more deserted there." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "In which, sir?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." brain must have something in it." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. deduce something from that?" and no precautions can guard against." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is copied or distributed: Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything way in." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "In heaven's name, what for?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and wait." "Why? What do you mean?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, appointment with me for six o'clock?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Nor running a chance of arrest?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all you?' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding flock.' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' one of the states of the Union." notes," he said. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the arrested. You then--" "How did you deduce the select?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "No bad?" had picked up in the wood. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in it." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "What are they?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Stoke Moran." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found galvanised. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he you do it in twenty minutes!' "But it has twice been burgled." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "But I am all in the dark." said he. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "One horse?" interjected Holmes. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.'