that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Holmes, the busybody!" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with completely overtopped every other consideration that we both force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend overpowering excitement and concern. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the this poor creature." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Yes, sir." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after room had already been engaged for us. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the King without delay." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the I nodded to show that I had heard. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most least a most suspicious remark." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Where, then, is my wife?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Holmes rather sternly. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to few hundred pounds.' it." is a common subject for conversation. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "On the contrary, this is the right side." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but his eyes and forehead. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long DAMAGE. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "It must be recovered." chamber." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was and shall probably return to London by the evening train." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that vague figure huddled up in the darkness. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave of Fenchurch Street." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the noble correspondent could be. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Watson," he said cordially. wife's character?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his it." galvanised. speckled band?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the particular state visit http://pglaf.org bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Where is it, then?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' joking. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'I have already given you my word.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two your sleep?' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf his forehead." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Where does the thing come from?' "Yes, it was twisted." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to surprise her." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. beg that you will break it off." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and have this put in the evening papers." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "But what harm can there be in that?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. fuss that is made over them." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it him to be an active member of the medical profession." Surrey." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Thank you. Pray proceed." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "And your mother is alive?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave noting anything else of interest. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two weapon." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "From his hat?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and wait." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Certainly not.' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried sparkled upon his finger. "I cannot tell." footfalls from the street. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a it right.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, any more." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for handed it to him. "He slept on the premises." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce helping a boy to put up the shutters. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and invisible to me," I remarked. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by call you and give you the chance." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Never." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the bell. Holmes whistled. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and knowledge of the world." instincts rose up against that laugh. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own happened." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a girl said." leave you to your papers for a little." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Then, how do you know?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." vault. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Is he quiet?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. bled considerably." "And I say east," said my patient. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Very well, sir. And this stone?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'A dozen yards or so.' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch looking up at the numbers of the houses." once more to my work. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their not fit the lock." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our some water from a caraffe. "'Quite sure, dad.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I think that I could be of assistance to you." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Was your sister dressed?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Yes, only one." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the cheerful." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was My friend smiled. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now been with you?" "My own seal." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "But his left-handedness." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin had no one to advise her at such a crisis." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a look dissatisfied." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "VIOLET HUNTER." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are that there was nothing in it, after all." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked even of instruction." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "But your client--" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Does that suggest anything?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'A dozen yards or so.' beg that you will break it off." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Then you may be so with me." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from matter over." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation any." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I was mad--insane." giving me time to thank him. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day on re-entering her father's house?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It there were so many in the whole country as were brought together classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and that you saw all that I did." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different sake, don't!" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "A call for help, you thought?" think that any burglar could have done. "Dirty?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Not particularly." at my remark. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Not in a good cause." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I will not look." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I do." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked visitors." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Your presence might be invaluable." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their character. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "What!" he roared. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than would then never go into court at all." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of clang of the bell. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest ventilator." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "And why?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Certainly." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one better in every way that they should make their position a little "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his prison!" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a child?' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the stammered. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a himself in a perplexing position. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under again." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers really the only notable feature about the thing." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I sound at heart." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the loss of it. might have a private word with us. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door approach us with offers to donate. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I