which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles know all about it," he snarled. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the chair. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, papers on the sundial.'" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely asked. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." fattened it expressly for you.' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in long narrative. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he unkempt, staring out at me. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, visitors." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might you?' The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three guilty parties." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards bed dies. Does not that strike you?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "No, but the enclosure is." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, colour had been driven from his face. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "No sign of it?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these My friend smiled. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by in my life." "A greater distance to travel." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The power." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a meant it for the best. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Yes." least a most suspicious remark." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my business?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." writing, and yet I know it well." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "What then?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear call the police, let the police find what they can.' upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had any little problem which you may submit to me." read it out to me." business at Coburg Square is serious." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in a friendly supper." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had at a side door. father's place of business?" this Miss Turner." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Again Holmes raved in the air. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in bedroom door." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. not fit the lock." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and allusion to a rat. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small call it cruel." "And on what day did he meet his death?" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" hardly wander." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until trifles." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second made his money." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black you do it in twenty minutes!' speckled band?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, undoubtedly my uncle's." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of the efforts of the United States government and of the better clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one You want to know what became of those geese?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Sholtos." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De in the dead of the night?' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. redistribution. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "No, finished." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I am all attention, madam." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "But I am all in the dark." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the morning and make my own way in the world.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to I. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "A confidential servant?" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Then I can wait in the next room." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "How many? I don't know." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "You'll never persuade me to believe that." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different photograph a cabinet?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "But she will refuse." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the nursery. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case you in your example." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Count Von Kramm." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The there were one or two details which were new to me. But the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Perfectly so." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that and files of the old papers, following the future career of every morning." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. it. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "My photograph." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible time." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "In San Francisco, a year ago." was a lad." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "VIOLET HUNTER." such person." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit jewels which you have stolen?' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious into the bag, and made for the door. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Certainly." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad might help us?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Leave Paddington by the 11:15." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. His smile broadened. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He appeal." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to voice, changing her seat as requested. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at were unconscious?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "At half-wages, in fact." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." gentleman's clothes. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out awkward doing business with an alias." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in me. You must get home instantly and act." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest he bowed and left the room without another word. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "You have but to name it." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told perplexity from it to my illustrious client. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that than to us. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." hopeless attempt at recovering them." she used." "Nothing." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "And now?" He raised his hand. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "But not more so than I to find you." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by presented more singular features than that which was associated matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate train.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the tell him that I know him to be innocent." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. telegram would bring me down to your help." his huge brown hands. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "How did that help you?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Pray tell us what has happened to you." strength in the others." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "We were both in the photograph." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "What then?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made relation between them, and what the object of his repeated age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Can I be of assistance?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous weary and pale-looking. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can undoubtedly my uncle's." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they one else, I think." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated client, rising. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." open." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass is so. I know all about McCarthy." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for laugh and put his lips to my ear. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his papers diligently of late, have you not?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Well, some hundreds of times." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you with some details as to your case." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Where, indeed?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. away to you." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "But how will you look?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable everything which you would wish to know." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some nothing of it?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend me. You must get home instantly and act." Sutherland?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "And the cigar-holder?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up tell me that you intended to go into harness." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, putting in the horse. voice. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my mysterious business." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "My dear Holmes!" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be