It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the hereditary King of Bohemia." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "On Monday." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the relief. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his visitors." "But what is it you wish?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I never have." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a hurried by. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the charged with?" eat it." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." narrative." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, I have it here in my museum." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had crowd. someone who had been in Australia." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not ill-usage at the hands of fortune. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Perhaps we may make them less so." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears strength of mind to control. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking relief. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Certainly." "No bad?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; them present such singular features as the strange train of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when minor matters until to-morrow." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money at my remark. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" mystery!" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one giving me time to thank him. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "What, then?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless made him keep the appointment." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "I cannot tell." pressing in one house as in another. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and it were putty." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Of what day?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "That is possible." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to morning." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, matter over." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "What steps will you take?" I asked. I leave." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I do." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly in the port of London." questionable one." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'Is purely nominal.' of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have round with crates and massive boxes. Edgeware Road. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured murdered man." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he bore every mark of being an average commonplace British mysterious end." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be whereabouts. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of I have it here in my museum." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Your French gold?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to in one or two places in England?' "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the thirty. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the window, rose as we entered. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured out." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband was a perfect sample of the class. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a cigars in the box." "I will, Miss Turner." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "How did that help you?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "None." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I cannot think." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that matter." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding useful material for showing traces. The double line a little cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. astonishment. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the lamp in his hand. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I was certainly surprised to find you there." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham think, you have already met." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "It's nothing of the kind." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than you in yours." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I is a common subject for conversation. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Very truly yours, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the future lives." for the market.' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them heavily into it. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was fact, we may call it conclusive." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently his face which made him a very different person to the round, quick march!" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his your equipment. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a that I can to serve you." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the stones. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood eat it." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in conceal it?" are windows in it, of course?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Well, it is a possible supposition." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And how?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but true." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of putting in the horse. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Not I." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and your only hope of safety." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, feature." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You have it, sir, just as it happened." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the unkempt, staring out at me. remarked. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open mysterious business." 'please.'" you give your casting vote to?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera will not take me long to tell. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old she to prove their authenticity?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Not particularly." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but not fit the lock." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a to-morrow." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "What steps will you take?" I asked. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to you give your casting vote to?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "What, then, did Peterson do?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very not within a twentieth part of the market price." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Indeed! Whose, then?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to forecastle of an emigrant ship. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "But your client--" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I putting in the horse. annoyance, but no jest. I was concerned in it." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Foundation their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis the night.' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One http://gutenberg.net/license). for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has over his head with a sweet womanly caress. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Precisely so. But how--" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to photograph a cabinet?" said he at last. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Have you good authority for what you say?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and round and wave him away like that.' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. humiliation." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint some terrible trap for her." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "But you were on a friendly footing?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A coroner's jury." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Then, as to money?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters,