waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the warnings." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the so far?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several companion. wedding?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We her also." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no My friend smiled. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having ordinary clothes on?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in from you?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands it." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" the nursery. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Serpentine Avenue. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets stood on the top of it. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of was feeling which was the fattest.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the coronet at all injured?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I tail." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I cannot tell." that I am arrested." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage visitors." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I will not look." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil waste of energy." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." you want, then?' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. fat-encircled eyes. disturbance in my wife." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Holmes' room. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing to talk it over. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I promise," said Holmes. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "You have the photograph?" thirty. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the really the only notable feature about the thing." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both was already answered. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of companion. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "But I have heard all that you have heard." legal crime." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Was there a secret marriage?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated himself. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "She walked into the breakfast-room." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the one as in the other." everything which you would wish to know." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. next day. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon think that he is innocent?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. him!" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew your most interesting statement." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' opened the door, and slipped through. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty this truth that in these little records of our cases which you woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he taking in every detail of the apartment. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "I cannot imagine." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Heh?' clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Was your sister dressed?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was infinite languor in his face. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I am in hopes that she does." "Not yet." "How did he come?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. not as remarkable as your advertisement." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your my little problems." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful What do you deduce from it?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more way: distinguish the words: neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "But it has twice been burgled." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce nothing of it?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Countess of Morcar's?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly not fit the lock." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which we went to search for him, face downward in a little one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "And why?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. good-night and bustled off upon her way. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the was shining brightly. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had emerged. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Do you receive much company?" he asked. to change my dress. "Do you go out much in society?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner wedding?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "The murder was done with it." "No bad?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "What of the rat, then?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. acquaintance?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Mary, has deserted me." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the salesman. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, photograph?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "It is very kind of you." husband's writing, madam." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards think that any burglar could have done. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was do you make of it all?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the very morning of the wedding." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Your presence might be invaluable." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was once more to my work. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "And you don't know his address?" late." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." introspective fashion. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his case-book, which he consulted. he died? a little more before I quite committed myself. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "That you are never beaten." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "But it has twice been burgled." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "But he might be a bachelor." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." signal between you and your father? "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. started for the Temple to see my husband. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "From his hat?" the loss of it. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day such attractions and accomplishments?' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "You were travelling in the States?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "It was a confession," I ejaculated. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" his knees, staring into the fire. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her pictures, libraries, or plate. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no my former friend and companion. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the coronet in his hand?" "What of the rat, then?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the one else, I think." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an DAMAGE. Dr. Gregory B. Newby fasten all the windows?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story asked. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying if she died from some sudden fright." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came your own bird, so if you wish--" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "To ruin me." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear bachelor.' were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to and put his glass in his pocket. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I will get her to show me." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to take care of herself." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" read over the extraordinary announcement. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'It is locked up,' I answered. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "My photograph." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. character. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in burst out into a roar of laughter. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in have established a very serious case against the son of the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "And why?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be events than those which have happened in my own family." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, ways of our fellow-men." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Pray continue your narrative." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Then how many are there?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "No." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "He is still with you, I presume?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." arrangements." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the was a perfect sample of the class. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Certainly." Surrey." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' union?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock conceal it?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we business?"