however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "There is the writing." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "If I can be of use." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their of receipt of the work. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" to arrive at through this?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "But of what society?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "One of his hands." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project in this note: "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked tassel actually lying upon the pillow. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he nights." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by was feeling which was the fattest.' save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" trying to your nerves." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, or other trace. But how on earth--" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And how did he make his money?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the make me his representative both with the servants and with the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great crime." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my His name is Francis Prosper." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Oh, no.' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project burst into a hearty fit of laughter. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the held up the lantern and gazed about him. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was asked. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the about here speaks of his kindness to him." you in yours." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "We must have a cab." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his do.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with ways of our fellow-men." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke meanly of me." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Well." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you was a loud and authoritative tap. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'Where to?' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in my life." in a very precise fashion." my former friend and companion. coroner's jury." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the little opening for the ventilator is." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be once more for Briony Lodge. in a very precise fashion." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Get out!" said he. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there outsides of the windows. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small photograph a cabinet?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in were unconscious?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Of what?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has he bowed and left the room without another word. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their writers could invent nothing more crude." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Will you bet, then?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences have an American origin." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." against a man in the prime of life?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "And what did you see?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded works. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to directors have had misgivings upon the subject." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier fashion which was peculiar to him. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I will, Miss Turner." "Imitated." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I am in hopes that she does." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and newspaper selections." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or jewels which you have stolen?' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not gone before you can get him to hospital." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "How can you tell that?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "You know me, then?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I should wish to." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in empty. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "But we can't all be." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you come either from the window or the door. My attention was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you should be taken.' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the with frightened eyes at his accuser. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Yes. He waved his hands." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'Yes, sir.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to-night?" I asked. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those But Holmes shook his head gravely. "That sounds a little paradoxical." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "But to whom?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Bought." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "So it appears." "Perhaps I have." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "No sign of it?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "ARAT," I read. shall not find me ungrateful." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What is it?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Yes." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered third from London." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "And sit in the dark?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "It missed him, then?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Never." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "And I say east," said my patient. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "And what then?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Where, indeed?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save skylight. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" opportunities to fix the problem. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Of what day?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "No." to miss it." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit started for the Temple to see my husband. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last that you saw all that I did." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to that you wished to speak to me?' charged with?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a ways of our fellow-men." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either own family. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fashion which was peculiar to him. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Serpentine Avenue. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." it means?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first and I shall be with you presently." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I crowd. "'Never,' said I. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I will not look." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, someone who had been in Australia." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to to affect your life." there was no need for father to know." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no wedding?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing character. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns him, that man would not have given me such complete information who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "But to whom?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls it." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "The Cedars?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Perfectly so." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "It is a murder, then?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small could go. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I am still in the dark." companion. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? seem to you to be relevant or not." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is solved." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said whatever might befall. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same said he, "my real name is James Ryder." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." door?" served to weaken the effect. "I fear not." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four have an American origin." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "There is the writing." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's some place of shelter and let the county police know what has been anything against him. He had for years been known as a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Leadenhall Street--and--" "And the cigar-holder?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Why did you beat the pavement?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Arthur Conan Doyle single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has was the fact that his father should, according to his account, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Not him." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went think you a quite exceptional woman." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and name is different." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more have accepted such a situation. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of meant it for the best.