Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. strode off upon his way. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Married! When?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable passage and a tap at the door. "Yes." was used.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some confronted him. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have you." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I cannot tell." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five clanging. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Holmes' face clouded over. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is swore that no one else had been in the front room during the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not there has been an enclosure here!" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Then he might have called to you?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. me." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by out of this horrible affair." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing fish-monger and a tide-waiter." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "You forget that I know nothing about it." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "How often?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may sofa. This way, please!" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my about. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. highroad, where all traces were lost. "Nothing." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "What! a murderous attack?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, his face. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' done what I asked you, Jones?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had this remarkable episode. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in papers." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "And why?" "What are they?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could pressing in one house as in another. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in this way: the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Ample." "If I can be of use." more solid." "Stoke Moran?" said he. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same throat." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "And your mother is alive?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, for securing the situation." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." matter." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him information in his hands the value of which he did not himself hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one confronted him. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "That also I could fathom." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being observed. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Thank you. Pray proceed." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." putting in the horse. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I have it here in my museum." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'What would be the hours?' I asked. not come at once?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" upon the shelf for the interim." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Nothing?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the inner apartment." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," front of the hall door has given its name to the place. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I that I can to serve you." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my this unhappy family?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with present." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I said he. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were if I call to-morrow?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "I was sure that I might rely on you." "The gentleman I describe." "Yes, certainly." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of goes." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Yes?" good for you to do.' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were excitement. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying to a more successful conclusion." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Ha! you find it so?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in may have an influence upon European history." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you where Mr. Fordham shows you.' all-comprehensive glances. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the anything to do with the matter?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "My private note-paper." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "And how did he make his money?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "And how did you verify them?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Yes." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "She will not sell." too. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me http://gutenberg.net/license). McCarthy's innocence. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Upon what point?" "'Why that?' I asks. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." overpowering excitement and concern. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Never." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the running down." was already answered. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "But you can know nothing of this?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very success. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "But you were on a friendly footing?" "In heaven's name, what for?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some your sleep?' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted that he will be back before evening." union?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Nor running a chance of arrest?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see see me here to avoid scandal." "And help." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "You are hungry," I remarked. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up of a light. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Yes, it would be as well." of your young ladies.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." lips." following enigmatical notices: black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "But his lameness?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Cross for the Continent." was feeling which was the fattest.' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a one else, I think." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much presume?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. status with the IRS. whole matter to your consideration." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "What! a murderous attack?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "But his lameness?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears His name is Francis Prosper." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, would then never go into court at all." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." I shall continue with my miserable story. "And that is--" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in point in the dark hollow of his hand. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the matter." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "I would pay ten." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept present." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I really the only notable feature about the thing." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the remarked. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Have you good authority for what you say?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Ample." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and laid it on the table. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated do you make of it all?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden shoulder. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy colour had been driven from his face. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little crime. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I undoubtedly my uncle's." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become over part of the map. "What do you read?" there!' "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the round with crates and massive boxes. "On your arm?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the matter?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Your sister is dead, then?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "In heaven's name, what for?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower present." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in one else, I think." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his himself in a perplexing position. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Pray do so." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Which surely he restored to their owner?" unprecedented a position." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you arrangements." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Stolen, then." "Is he quiet?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'Very good.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some said he. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an cause to be." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge mystery." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "And why?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' posted to-day." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hard-headed British jury." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a