coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'Where could I find him?' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended ran thus: stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "No, I am descending." "But she could not love him." made him keep the appointment." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Your French gold?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Well, it is a possible supposition." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I you." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. out of this horrible affair." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who fire. You quite follow me?" figure." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Pope's Court. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you to Leatherhead. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." round and wave him away like that.' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a through." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." anything to do with the matter?" villagers almost as much as their master. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and happened." "But to whom?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards from the brougham. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "One of the highest in England." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their key of the affair now." to change my dress. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the roots. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Witness: It was. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, imbecility!" he cried. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going crowd. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And how did you verify them?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No congenial hunt. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, before, for it was considerably after midnight. lectures into a series of tales." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the nursery. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, it." "Not social, then?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her 'I should be able to look after that for you.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Precisely." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." out of this horrible affair." "Really! You surprise me." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. way in everything. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "What shall I do?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It is solved." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'Yes, it was gone.' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I am sure." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his wall." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by absorbing." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. daring than any effort of the imagination." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "By train from Waterloo." ourselves in the office." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I cannot say that I have." "Never." business matters.' "Yes." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should your own bird, so if you wish--" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I derbies." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such carriage. It was a chestnut." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique tell me that you intended to go into harness." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Mary, has deserted me." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and a shock of very red hair. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "But how?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little power." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "None." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "There are none." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been opportunities to fix the problem. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the your only hope of safety." "'And the work?' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in strength of mind to control. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some death." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Yes, sir." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the I nodded to show that I had heard. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in your own bird, so if you wish--" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side how narrow had been my escape. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De IS authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. to talk it over. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "What! a murderous attack?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock said I. "Oh, yes, easily." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent south, for the country is more deserted there." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His call you and give you the chance." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature have not had my rubber." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Is he quiet?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that three of the beryls in it, was missing. he. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), is a common subject for conversation. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest mystery may be cleared along those lines." goes." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Then, how do you know?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary all?" garden below. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she miles off. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Then I do not see the point." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Come in!" said he. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon again, where I was soon asleep. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and within hail.' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "I shall most certainly do so." "'Where to?' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not where we are going." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "But your client--" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every train.' "Was your sister dressed?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of he died? lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a taking in every detail of the apartment. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low out." over with notes and figures. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been assist you in forming an opinion." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "We must sit without light. He would see it through the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Not I." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I have come for advice." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in families. Now for the facts. and a shock of very red hair. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. bearing upon the case." trying to your nerves." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Eyford." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "It is no ordinary one." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." suddenly upon us." the coronet in his hand?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk asked with his eyes open. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Two days later this same performance was gone through under your most interesting statement." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the iron safe, which he closed upon it. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of in. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which them?" "It looks newer than the other things?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "What do you mean?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or absolutely follow my advice in every respect." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" business in the City. She little knew what. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there events than those which have happened in my own family." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "One of his hands." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in you?' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in of Mr. Rucastle's." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'I shall certainly be there.' Clair, of Lee." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the night.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of breakfast." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. and wait." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I have hopes." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "But how?" outbreak?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "None." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could during that time.' not as remarkable as your advertisement." me where it went to?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Was there a secret marriage?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he place no limit on the sum I may draw." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed a very grave face. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the