"Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "No." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the coronet at all injured?" promised to bring home. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by business came to an end." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Witness: Nothing definite. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' approach us with offers to donate. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, to arrive at through this?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper your own bird, so if you wish--" "I cannot tell." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Yes." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and suspect him." "No, distinctly professional." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "The vanishing of the lady." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as fear." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only that you saw all that I did." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "In San Francisco, a year ago." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him nearly every evening." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Nothing?" upon the white wrist. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning said he, "my real name is James Ryder." acted in my house last night?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other wedding?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "No, distinctly professional." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this if she died from some sudden fright." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I that you wished to speak to me?' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "BALLARAT." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It is true that I have been generally successful." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "She told me to ask you." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax know what is wrong with it.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Certainly." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I was concerned in it." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "To an end?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most happened." derbies." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a throat." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I had formerly been in part my own. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" think that he is innocent?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke there is a decided draught." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is do you make of it all?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! a good hundred miles off by now." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended down from London to inquire more deeply into it." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between again before evening." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an enough to aid us in our search." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." begun to whiten, even as mine has." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have daring than any effort of the imagination." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and McCarthy's innocence. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not You want to know what became of those geese?" "No, I think that I'll take it." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the Assizes." both be extremely obliged.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way father's young wife. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he sneer upon his pale face. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "No. What a strange idea!" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the have I gained?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, narrative." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "And sit in the dark?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look is worth.' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Why, what do you mean?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" stammered. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Perhaps I have." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven redistribution. "There is the writing." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the I am not easy in my mind about them." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and laid it on the table. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his one or two very singular points about this room. For example, it means?" mystery!" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Entirely." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It did not hear it also.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Could he throw no light?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Deserted you?" chance." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly yet." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day and inquire as to the address." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a best detective that ever lived. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, have one." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "In the cells." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from happened." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not narrative." annoyance, but no jest. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair any." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had annoyance, but no jest. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Arthur Conan Doyle To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'A dozen yards or so.' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Has he come with you to-night?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" introspective fashion. "Here?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. himself to hunt down. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and character. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "On the contrary, this is the right side." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "On Monday." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the one's self under obligations.' "'What do you call purely nominal?' "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" union?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'I am sure that I do not know.' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De floor. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back closely." "The rest you will leave in our hands." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to yourselves in at night?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and remarked. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it of campaign. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "No, I think that I'll take it." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, were new raised from a basin. "I cannot imagine." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Certainly not. But why?' "How do you know, then?" "No, I am descending." "'How far from the body?' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out plantation.' "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'In my own bureau.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into delighted to hear it," he said. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "And what did you learn from him?" obstinate." "'What then?' I asked. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I present." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. answer." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully of Mr. Rucastle's." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" maiden herself was most instructive." promised to bring home. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but good for you to do.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that he has suffered." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the so far?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Eyford." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. anything to do with the matter?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Precisely so. But how--" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "That is it on the dressing-table." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we whole matter to your consideration." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I never have." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against right! Sit down and let us talk it over." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "The Cedars?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "None. Neville wrote those words." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Yes, it would be as well." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is me where it went to?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow despair." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. late!' I leave." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "None." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given room had already been engaged for us. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the details." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "But I am all in the dark." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an at my own good fortune. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office forehead. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence to surprise her."