of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than suggested at once that there must be a communication between the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew over his head with a sweet womanly caress. coat-tails." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no discontent upon his features. little adventures." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to which our visitor detailed to us. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his undoubtedly my uncle's." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "I was mad--insane." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Yes, all." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Mrs. Toller serenely. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, call it cruel." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. had died away into the silence from which it rose. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "And what did you learn from him?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "No, my brougham is waiting." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it trying to your nerves." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to three fields round his house, and there he would take his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. empty. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one in the hope of finding them." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "When did she vanish, then?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the running down." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'Where could I find him?' locked." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off could go. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in himself. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Really! You surprise me." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of bled considerably." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, weapon." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon prisoner's face. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her to Leatherhead. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied closely." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the could go. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones quick march!" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical confronted him. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming feature." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I as yours." matter." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "I cannot tell." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I am about to be married." "Yes, it was twisted." vanished into the darkness. matter." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" despair." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "But you can know nothing of this?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" evidence," I remarked. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has I was concerned in it." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Can I be of assistance?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the very morning of the wedding." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my morning." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I should wish to." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "No." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I particular state visit http://pglaf.org been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. and all of them with the keenest interest. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "An accident, I presume?" there!' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon that I am arrested." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by you, my dear young lady?' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end memory. "'Never.' "Then I do not see the point." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to through." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old at my own good fortune. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while until night should bring an explanation. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Then I can wait in the next room." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "When did she vanish, then?" companion. desk. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with strode off upon his way. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by this Miss Turner." overpowering excitement and concern. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Yes. He waved his hands." it." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my look dissatisfied." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, people don't know." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to take care of herself." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might sake, don't!" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you despair." my secret was safe in his possession. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion so far?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could several quiet little villages up there." "I am about to be married." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." hand, madam?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head shoulder. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood returning from some small jollification and was making his way chambers. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, http://gutenberg.net/license). Sholtos." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some forebodings. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door records." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own completely overtopped every other consideration that we both same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the morning and make my own way in the world.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's wall." Henry Baker is a member." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her four million human beings all jostling each other within the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "That was it, sir." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen completely overtopped every other consideration that we both whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. already been minutely examined." "I will not look." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Eyford." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk directly by questioning you." "No." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but was already answered. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "No. What a strange idea!" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he you want, then?' lips." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the ceiling. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he wedding?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Quite so." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out already been minutely examined." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house promised to bring home. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and capable of preserving a secret.' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'Oh, no.' were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." giving me time to thank him. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a passage and a tap at the door. such person." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was certainly do as you advise." she might be summoned. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "But not more so than I to find you." morning." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, again, where I was soon asleep. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Yes, sir." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit happened." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite companion. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "My dear Holmes!" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham thin legs towards the fire. works. British peeress.'" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand that he will be back before evening." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "That is unusual in a young girl." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Yes, at the mines." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the been with you?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This conversation I have gathered that they have been married about liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal questionable one." bird I ate is country bred." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There time." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "He slept on the premises." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is never will be, entirely cleared up. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to relief. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of following enigmatical notices: married her." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' done what I asked you, Jones?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" was feeling which was the fattest.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Very truly yours, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to Leatherhead. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An lost his Christmas dinner." hereditary King of Bohemia." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with get her out of the way." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the inquest, and which are worth considering." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. over with notes and figures. too. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated conceal it?" cheerful." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. during which he might have communicated with his friend the there when the Rucastles went away." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Eh? What was that?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again works. See paragraph 1.E below.