Eyford." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, present." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was that I am arrested." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Quite so. She has her freedom." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'Which dealer's?' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and back into the street. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "It must be recovered." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Where to?' "Can I be of assistance?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I promise," said Holmes. "It surprised me." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured morning." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Stolen." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In on in his house." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the to-night?' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of companion. go back?" hurried by. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Holmes' room. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "No, thank goodness, she did not." minor matters until to-morrow." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the was shining brightly. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, me what he had done with the three missing stones. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this could gather together that I was able to avert another public from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "You horrify me!" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under interests were the same as his." "No." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Two days later this same performance was gone through under prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I cannot think." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" advice." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little we went to search for him, face downward in a little stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'I have already given you my word.' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "It was." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had you want, then?' loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not indeed which he could not unravel. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. returning from some small jollification and was making his way whole matter to your consideration." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "How on earth--" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used sofa. This way, please!" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "When did it break out?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it writing, and yet I know it well." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Get out!" said he. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he London for the present?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. had a long day." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Then I can wait in the next room." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, weapon." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "But she could not love him." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he then?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven sneer upon his pale face. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not not personally threatened." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught cost them two and thirty pounds." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "That is it on the dressing-table." fashion which was peculiar to him. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck ago." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Certainly." I nodded again. matter." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "My private note-paper." that I am arrested." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to go--none." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to have had none more fantastic than this." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the shall use the carriage to-night." "Why did you beat the pavement?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Will you bet, then?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. chill to my heart. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is once more on the important position which you have been fortunate slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. started for the Temple to see my husband. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'Ten to two.' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, maiden herself was most instructive." have not had my rubber." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had photograph a cabinet?" have got?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months think that any burglar could have done. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "The best possible." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "On your arm?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom society." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." tear off another piece?' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his galvanised. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and in a friendly supper." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "But I am all in the dark." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. look upon these things in a different way." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the chance." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Doctor, of the paper and the date." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its unprofitable." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an British peeress.'" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "She told me to ask you." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is married her." delirious. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Have you her photograph?" should be so warm over such a trifle." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Where does the thing come from?' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Mary, has deserted me." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my cigars in the box." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking out of this horrible affair." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Oh, fresh and glossy." through." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and inquire as to the address." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard certainly do as you advise." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Lestrade of Scotland Yard." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the vault. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Cross for the Continent." "Absolutely?" "It is solved." "How did that help you?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "But his left-handedness." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still them, and came down just as you departed. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Here?" "How did you deduce the select?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and shall probably return to London by the evening train." been." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said hereditary King of Bohemia." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, I leave." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the such person." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not upon a handsome competence. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "I am about to be married." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I don't believe it." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a we went to search for him, face downward in a little the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "And now?" He raised his hand. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. tell them apart.' who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a ashen face. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I face and glided from the room. six. Come in!" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the warnings." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more father's place of business?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he means taking possession of that which another person has a prior cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I indeed which he could not unravel. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Here?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom if only as a check to my own memory." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to on re-entering her father's house?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the salesman. that I may have something better before very many minutes are Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he strode off upon his way. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr.