journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the assist you in forming an opinion." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic province." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman photograph a cabinet?" "What will you say?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or child?' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and call you and give you the chance." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It new acquaintance to Baker Street. less than 26s. 4d. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a he died? "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Whose house is it?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case orange pips. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small washing it down with a long draught of water. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid his grey eyes. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had carpenter." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon horse could go." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "You forget that I know nothing about it." the night.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "How did he come?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the that I can to serve you." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "No, distinctly professional." "It is solved." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Was the window open?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "It came here." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had their singular warning or token before them when starting upon brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Ah!" felt?" waste of energy." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I am in hopes that she does." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to your Highness to the police-station?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "He is dead," cried several voices. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. my room." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the away into the river." "Certainly, madam." you?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Where does the thing come from?' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. all-comprehensive glances. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, excitement. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an province." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened that he has suffered." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop never to learn it at all." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking writing, and yet I know it well." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a pound a week." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Where, indeed?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the believe that I should never have any practice at all. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger all?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'In my own bureau.' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. families. Now for the facts. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "And it is--" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that instituted." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the tear off another piece?' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in come either from the window or the door. My attention was round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed is so. I know all about McCarthy." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I would give my fortune to have them back." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "The gentleman I describe." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Nothing." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are threw himself down with his face to the pillow. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a waste of energy." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her impression behind it as though a window had gently closed be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he for securing the situation." bird I ate is country bred." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" front of me. "Yes, it was twisted." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. father's place of business?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "She told me to ask you." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. there in twenty minutes." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off less than 26s. 4d. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of your equipment. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "It is very kind of you." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'You cannot say what it was?' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his said he. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Arthur Conan Doyle as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "'In my own bureau.' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "And what then?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then disturbance in my wife." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "And what did you learn from him?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "I was mad--insane." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty 1.F. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. closely." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her swore that no one else had been in the front room during the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to floor. "We were both in the photograph." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the inner apartment." helping a boy to put up the shutters. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive through." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" there!' answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll purpose equally well?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "That was it, sir." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most make me his representative both with the servants and with the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of was feeling which was the fattest.' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I who was a member of your goose club." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in if only as a check to my own memory." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "9th. McCauley cleared. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Not yet." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "It was." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Then the page we have seen--" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. client, rising. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Stoke Moran?" said he. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either place, I think that there is good ground to think that the figure." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "It must be recovered." straighten it?" go--none." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King are windows in it, of course?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Look there!" said he. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is redistribution. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "And leave your case unfinished?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Yes." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. from the brougham. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you think you a quite exceptional woman." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where careless servant girl?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new suspect him." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Entirely." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you only touch the interest." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and least a most suspicious remark." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Mary, has deserted me." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." upon the sideboard." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no ran thus: does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "This concluded the examination of the witness." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Was he the only applicant?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "No." "Breckinridge is his name." less than 26s. 4d. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective experiences." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "What then?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Pray continue your narrative." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Absolutely?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that three of the beryls in it, was missing. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so