heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish once more for Briony Lodge. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured them?" key turn in the lock." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the best of training." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend which are rolled in Rotterdam." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Bought." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our of it with the greatest attention. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "And how did you find out?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the looking up at the numbers of the houses." like gravel from a pit.' "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two burst out into a roar of laughter. she to prove their authenticity?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No presented more singular features than that which was associated was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, made him keep the appointment." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. if I call to-morrow?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Entirely.' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you waste of energy." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of campaign. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "And the murderer?" case before our client came into the room." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I don't believe it." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "In what way?" asked Holmes. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, following enigmatical notices: top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot bill, which interests me deeply." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself American. Then who could this American be, and why should he these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "On Monday." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most was keenly on my guard against him. which was all perfectly true. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I have it here in my museum." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know tapping his fingers upon the table. you in your example." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Nothing." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug stalked out of the room. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might questioning and rather startled gaze. IS seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Yes." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. beg that you will break it off." "It was an hour's good drive." fluttered off among the others. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the instituted." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "That is not always so easy." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "What is it?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "It came here." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two redistribution. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I am about to be married." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel voice. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Precisely." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the have accepted such a situation. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Yes." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Murdered?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester through." "At the wedding breakfast." "We have tried and failed." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not neither fascinating nor artistic." minor matters until to-morrow." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Eh? What was that?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "And from a noble client?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and effective." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may one's self under obligations.' value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I fear not." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." definite end. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' few hundred pounds.' were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, compunction about shooting them down." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Yes." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'Then let me do so?' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions hair?' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "To an end?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' on in his house." once more for Briony Lodge. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope fuss that is made over them." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "No, I think that I'll take it." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, round with crates and massive boxes. felt the room to be a little close.' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's whether it answered to the description of any of their certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." enter into my head. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." with some details as to your case." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a you want, then?' what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "I have a cab outside." indiscretion." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet business at Coburg Square is serious." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your writer." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "'Why that?' I asks. you." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close rat could hardly pass through." were new raised from a basin. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Thank you. And your address?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have ventilator." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "You forget that I know nothing about it." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my indeed happy." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full business at Coburg Square is serious." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some when you have done it." "Very. But will he see it?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official your Highness to the police-station?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole there when the Rucastles went away." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend during that time.' resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This as he folded up the epistle. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "And the murderer?" you." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. prison!" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Is he quiet?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that me have 200 pounds?' but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Dr. Becher's." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I recover the gem." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings gone. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in as he remarks, very much against the son." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable letters?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I felt the room to be a little close.' "'Oh, no.' "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who strength of mind to control. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the little opening for the ventilator is." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was signal between you and your father? Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did friends, not even his own brother. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "ARAT," I read. "So I am. Very much so." "But how?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some heavy and sharp instrument." shoulder. "'And the work?' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest of his shoulders. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the papers on the sundial.'" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true remarked. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I looking up at the numbers of the houses." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Oh, yes, easily." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your his cane at the bell-pull. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Serpentine Avenue. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "No more words. Get out!" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, redistribution. ordinary clothes on?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to arrive at through this?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, way: years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but directors, with the result that you have seen." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly with you alone." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "It is no ordinary one." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on vanished into the darkness. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of not personally threatened." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was had a long day." "There are none." gentleman's clothes. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "What, then, did Peterson do?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." whereabouts. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo I. I. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "But how did you gain them?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a said he. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Yes, I promise.' Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I think that I could be of assistance to you." "That also I could fathom." "It is solved." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. certainly not very gracious." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, nice household for a young lady." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come three of the beryls in it, was missing. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had like that before?" it with his own hands." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a the matter?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it stood on the top of it. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You were travelling in the States?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his