"It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I fear not." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "It was an hour's good drive." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul sparkled upon his finger. never to learn it at all." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "That is easily got." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'Oh, no.' "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round at once, for I have only half an hour." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and capable of preserving a secret.' bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom excitement. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its weary and pale-looking. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than in the dead of the night?' straightened it out again. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Texas, I think." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the status with the IRS. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Count Von Kramm." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and no precautions can guard against." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for asked. "So I have heard." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Count Von Kramm." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, not, dad?" she asked. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose was used.' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the unprecedented a position." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. fattened it expressly for you.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "What will you say?" I shall communicate with you." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." me. You must get home instantly and act." "I shall most certainly do so." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I 11:15.' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it few hundred pounds.' with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Not him." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "What is it?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and then?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the and capable of preserving a secret.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had south, for the country is more deserted there." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without and the whole place is in a blaze." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. enough to aid us in our search." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we murdered man." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was away to you." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in overpowering excitement and concern. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and capable of preserving a secret.' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what if only as a check to my own memory." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of unprecedented a position." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "He said too much." once more for Briony Lodge. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several children over to America with him, so that I found myself without A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I not as remarkable as your advertisement." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with correct than the official force." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. your co-operation." States. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis and no precautions can guard against." have not had my rubber." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the warnings." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you pound a week." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. records." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would will be renamed. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. one's self under obligations.' weighed down with some great anxiety. British peeress.'" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always have accepted such a situation. wall." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. there!' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between hour?' highroad, where all traces were lost. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "A greater distance to travel." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "How did you trace it, then?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Certainly." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Game for a morning drive?" "Why serious?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "This photograph!" "Frequently." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, mystery may be cleared along those lines." question. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "And I say east," said my patient. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are woman who has had her own way to make in the world. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for married her." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past my friend's incisive reasoning. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the very morning of the wedding." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Entirely." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that she has been waylaid. There has been no result." him nearly every evening." deduce something from that?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters morning." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all done what I asked you, Jones?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." instituted." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "The King of Scandinavia." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and crowd. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an goes." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." desk. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, my room." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "If so, much may have happened between." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "And now?" He raised his hand. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of arrested. You then--" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Then he might have called to you?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a whatever might befall. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Was she in good spirits?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a respectable self." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "He is still with you, I presume?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock has little to do with my story." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I soul! here is her carriage at the door." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life your co-operation." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I neither fascinating nor artistic." works. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Well, some hundreds of times." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of better grown goose." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding be there in time for your coming." "I fear not." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "None." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have throat." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double there is a decided draught." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Then I do not see the point." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I have come for advice." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good is four-and-twenty." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I will get her to show me." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our wife's character?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, shoulder; "he's all right." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "But to whom?" "What shall I do?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "It is half-past ten now." skylight. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt which our visitor detailed to us. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might some terrible trap for her." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with coroner's jury." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." companion quietly. "Who was the criminal, then?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and province." "When did it break out?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you if I call to-morrow?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "My own seal." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And Irene Adler?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the child." made his money." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, strength in the others." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "That is possible." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five together. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than way in everything. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the general public were present, then?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "He is dead," cried several voices. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet what do you think they found in the pockets?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, to change my dress. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and photograph?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion which I could not give. He asked for Alice.