the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty foresight and the moral retrogression?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his he bowed and left the room without another word. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Your sister is dead, then?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "He said too much." than to us. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Yes, certainly." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "He might." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "No." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and I shall be with you presently." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and than to us. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, was shining brightly. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the them?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The doctor?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Not I." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the mysterious end." "'I have already given you my word.' answer." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, tension within him. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I think that I could be of assistance to you." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out that, and I came down." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls sooner or later she must fall a victim. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." appeal." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I will, Miss Turner." to change my dress. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I was afraid that you were engaged." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and October 9, 1890. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a For additional contact information: "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to been." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the salesman. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few assist you in forming an opinion." sufficient punishment." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Nothing." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." some terrible trap for her." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out opportunities to fix the problem. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. had formerly been in part my own. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere lids now and glanced across at his visitor. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Seven!" I answered. "Married! When?" Mrs. Toller serenely. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in directly by questioning you." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the experiences." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Come in!" said he. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the of the one which your family is now devouring." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I have come for advice." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." bedroom door." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." experiences." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, advice." been." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more was a loud and authoritative tap. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography signal between you and your father? it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' are, and they are waiting for us." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same was the fact that his father should, according to his account, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening respectable self." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. note?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my from you?" front of me. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. that there was nothing in it, after all." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." said he. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Is he quiet?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "That is possible." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a habit of advancing money.' from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I shall most certainly do so." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not official police." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was already referred to. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "To an end?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. asked with his eyes open. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Pray do so." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Was he the only applicant?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the DAMAGE. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' to-night." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug lips." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, to-night?" I asked. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an as he remarks, very much against the son." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass extraordinary contortions. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the everything which you would wish to know." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Heh?' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is trifles." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." see me here to avoid scandal." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their a very grave face. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been was shining brightly. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him in a very precise fashion." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock next day. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. go back?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the so-precious time, but come!' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." feature." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. carriage. It was a chestnut." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "One?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." man. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Will you go?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Why did you beat the pavement?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Yes, he did." "Holmes, the busybody!" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a stepfather?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "You horrify me." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that I am arrested." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their present." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "It must be recovered." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Entirely." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen memory. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Frequently." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who meanly of me." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the at a side door. "'Most admirably.' foresight and the moral retrogression?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I new duties?' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any 1.E.9. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy something of him before." disappearance of the bride.'" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he for and were ordered to this address. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I will not look." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his said he. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had said he, "my real name is James Ryder." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, late." generous with you in money matters.' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining strong reason behind." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." crime. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so exactly what you advise." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." noble correspondent could be. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "By train from Waterloo." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and yourselves in at night?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no at my own good fortune. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Eh? What was that?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and see me here to avoid scandal." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible main points of my analysis." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Yes, he did." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made once more to my work. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and sneer upon his pale face. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my always that they were such commands as a lady might with there when the Rucastles went away." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Pray tell us what has happened to you." look upon these things in a different way." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or mystery." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "But you can know nothing of this?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an galvanised. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Well, it is a possible supposition." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Ah!" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied acquaintance?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of my special province." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody good-night and bustled off upon her way. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one him." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Mary, has deserted me." was a perfect sample of the class. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his 1.E.9. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, hurried by. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a wall." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the highly," said Holmes. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. if she died from some sudden fright." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured