"BALLARAT." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said face and glided from the room. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "The murder was done with it." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I don't say that. Perhaps." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious now. It seems that there had been some informality about their was once confined in the cab my mission was practically gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who exactly what you advise." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "An accident, I presume?" lectures into a series of tales." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'How far from the body?' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this I approached. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the devil!" indeed happy." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Holmes." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "That's no good." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the nice household for a young lady." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Then you may be so with me." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are she used." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she were new raised from a basin. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know photograph a cabinet?" the side-table." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Absolutely none." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Stolen, then." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling fear." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Nothing." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "You forget that I know nothing about it." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Here?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the money should be paid at once.' "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of never will be, entirely cleared up. bled considerably." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "About a month then." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the thirty. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "An accident, I presume?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, acquaintance?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been served to weaken the effect. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing said I. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Where, indeed?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Ample.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at place no limit on the sum I may draw." must compliment you." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and plantation.' swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'I have already given you my word.' indeed which he could not unravel. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. had a long day." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the him nearly every evening." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. already been minutely examined." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now been." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more What do you deduce from it?" will he say when he returns?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Do you go out much in society?" "Bought." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient such attractions and accomplishments?' child?' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to a more successful conclusion." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "You horrify me." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions been anything against him. He had for years been known as a bachelor.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately locked. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under and shall probably return to London by the evening train." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "'Most admirably.' cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real rat could hardly pass through." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are in one or two places in England?' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As sound at heart." asked with his eyes open. one's self under obligations.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a stood on the top of it. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel chance." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Nothing." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "And now?" He raised his hand. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Pray do so." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "One horse?" interjected Holmes. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of could go. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my stalked out of the room. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB ill-usage at the hands of fortune. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Then, as to money?" people in all walks of life. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to she to prove their authenticity?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the Red-headed League." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and shag which I had seen upon the previous night. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." seem to you to be relevant or not." Leadenhall Street--and--" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked be there in time for your coming." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, notes," he said. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I everything which you would wish to know." politicians who had been sent down from the North. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I. tapping his fingers upon the table. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not some terrible trap for her." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman gives a meaning to it." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his as the one I chose?' events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great ran thus: age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "What!" he roared. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'As governess?' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "That's no good." "'And the work?' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the best of training." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "And how did you find out?" "I will not look." are, I think, all that we need." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you giving me time to thank him. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Where to?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of strong and stiff." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, discontent upon his features. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish ordinary clothes on?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'As governess?' The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have indiscretion." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. said I. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. must compliment you." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits undoubtedly my uncle's." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest again on its way. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was do." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, What do you deduce from it?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had name is different." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Yes." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible outside." introspective fashion. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to I approached. his huge brown hands. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly threw himself down with his face to the pillow. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its know that the truth is known." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and answer." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions newspaper selections." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. closing the door. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "What office?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has already been minutely examined." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "And leave your case unfinished?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the even so self-evident a thing as that." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are noting anything else of interest. "Can I be of assistance?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been awkward doing business with an alias." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version gone before you can get him to hospital." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An front of the hall door has given its name to the place. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young 11:15.' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be ventilator." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never photograph?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old ordinary clothes on?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "A confidential servant?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. business." "I think that it is very probable." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without which I could not give. He asked for Alice. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.'