air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Indeed! Whose, then?" more terrible than the truth. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This which should have the effect of calling the attention of the yourselves in at night?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it you, my dear young lady?' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little meant." wife's character?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "VIOLET HUNTER." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then you." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, careless servant girl?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Henry Baker is a member." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is said he. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and most interesting one." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' do.' most interesting one." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it who was a member of your goose club." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a business came to an end." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Nothing." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent golden eyeglasses. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained detective. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. showing my impatience. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored appeal." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped sound at heart." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate congratulate you again." "Never to return." "How are you getting on?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such tell me that you intended to go into harness." to arrive at through this?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, entirely devoid of interest." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. eat it." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the depend upon your compliance." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "A confidential servant?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Mrs. Toller serenely. "What?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his than to us. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, disturbance in my wife." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself even of instruction." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Never." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for think, you have already met." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the her also." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "That is not always so easy." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Ha! you find it so?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with would then never go into court at all." when you have done it." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "But to whom?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "And why?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "But of what society?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "But of what society?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and bare slabs of marble. people don't know." certainly not very gracious." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "They are typewritten," I remarked. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector once more to my work. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You have carte blanche." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. only touch the interest." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank you in yours." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock stammered. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it memory. "And how did you verify them?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried should be taken.' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he o'clock is it?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "What!" he roared. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "And when will you call?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a everything which you would wish to know." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Yes." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Then the page we have seen--" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen presume?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "That is unusual in a young girl." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. keep the flames under. "No." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Stoke Moran." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Then he might have called to you?" "And help." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "What do you mean?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm quite distinctive." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Lee, in the county of Kent." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how nothing of it?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. it." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it had this final quarrel? means taking possession of that which another person has a prior not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I sufficient punishment." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate I was concerned in it." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. happened." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "No. His orders were to stay in the house." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I have a cab outside." "Where is it, then?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "You were travelling in the States?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the night.' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that tied." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "So I have heard." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Which are?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "You forget that I know nothing about it." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square DISSOLVED. "No, my brougham is waiting." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was whole matter to your consideration." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Bought." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' all that?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler married her." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "From his hat?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or posted to-day." "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was eat it." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down front of the hall door has given its name to the place. to tackle the facts." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "9th. McCauley cleared. delirious. the night.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "To ruin me." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his nothing with him." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of photograph?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's there!' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless you found me to-night--and running through the front room she tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her tassel actually lying upon the pillow. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." will be renamed. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "On Monday." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious which we had just quitted. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." congratulate you again." door?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An upon a handsome competence. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very to have that photograph." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." get her out of the way." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this friend's singular character. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have crowd. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "On the contrary, this is the right side." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official miles off. handed it to him. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "And what did you see?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you