Watson," he said cordially. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some his face. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Certainly." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Entirely." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'Quite sure, dad.' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should him. prison!" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of learned something! Where are the gems?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." than was visible to me." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated considering the formidable letters which were received by himself your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation had picked up in the wood. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman his knees, staring into the fire. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Very. But will he see it?" constraint." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a how narrow had been my escape. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders clang of the bell. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to feature." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which could not have written that. It is the German who is so lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Mrs. Toller serenely. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the general public were present, then?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and files of the old papers, following the future career of every rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, asked with his eyes open. "Very murderous indeed." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the will take you up to see the machine.' "I came to find a friend." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the narrative." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I have hopes." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far in this way: conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her strength in the others." and put his glass in his pocket. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'Entirely.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, approach us with offers to donate. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Watson," he said cordially. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, strong and stiff." have I gained?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing down from London to inquire more deeply into it." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over outbreak?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" weighed down with some great anxiety. the coronet in his hand?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Have you it here?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Did he not advertise?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Then I can wait in the next room." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Witness: It was. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of Mr. Rucastle's." "Dirty?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and in this way: of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in me, and I could not think that his explanation of the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at fat-encircled eyes. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend in his power. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, man. I know him from the photograph." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the coronet in his hands?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Come in!" said Holmes. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "It is half-past ten now." power." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Yes, sir." to arrive at through this?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the and looked back. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so have established a very serious case against the son of the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I promise," said Holmes. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" second." yourselves in at night?" was a loud and authoritative tap. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it down from London to inquire more deeply into it." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some side. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my bare slabs of marble. "Precisely." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too row." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' arrangements." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had learned something! Where are the gems?" "I am all attention, madam." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly of note-paper. It read in this fashion: contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my very morning of my second wedding." you?" breakfast?" "An enemy?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "That is also quite modern," said the lady. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the for securing the situation." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. in his hands." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'Not at all. I only doubt--' that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small passage and a tap at the door. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "How can you tell that?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now out." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, province." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "What can you not understand?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." nonsense.' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, said Mr. Holder. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means head. So long, then!" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Ah!" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'Then let me do so?' time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I cannot imagine." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses results." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if skylight. paper in the air. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of receipt of the work. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'Not at all. I only doubt--' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the public press." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "And who is her maid?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in him." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, a little more before I quite committed myself. you." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "On the contrary, this is the right side." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of nonsense.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during will he say when he returns?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Then you may be so with me." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about possible that we could bring him back to her? villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "In which, sir?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your all that?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the what is your own theory as to what took place?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Thank you. Pray proceed." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Here?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Then, as to money?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of said I. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. British peeress.'" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed was feeling which was the fattest.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I shall be delighted." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a detained." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. question. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a once more. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email fat-encircled eyes. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the indeed which he could not unravel. papers on the sundial.'" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I cannot say that I have." man. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with intimate personal affairs in this public manner." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too meanly of me." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper our word." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. nothing with him." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. for the market.' from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I at my remark. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most was the fact that his father should, according to his account, enter into my head. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "You did not overhear what they said?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "What! You do not mean bodies?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common."