promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the I am not easy in my mind about them." "In the cells." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what sake, don't!" villagers almost as much as their master. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the highroad, where all traces were lost. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should business?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms was a loud and authoritative tap. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Yes, he did." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, sneer upon his pale face. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. look dissatisfied." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my as he remarks, very much against the son." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him in the port of London." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got suggested at once that there must be a communication between the looking up at the numbers of the houses." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon as the one I chose?' strength of mind to control. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would maid will bring up your coffee." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Imitated." and capable of preserving a secret.' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Holmes, the busybody!" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in London for the present?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem undoubtedly my uncle's." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "No, I think that I'll take it." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you him nearly every evening." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." heavy and sharp instrument." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "BALLARAT." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Ten will be early enough." take the flies, but not before." business at Coburg Square is serious." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I should wish to." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while are windows in it, of course?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, flock.' he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "How do you know, then?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow newspaper selections." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "No sign of it?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Where did you address your letters, then?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled village inn over there?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'Never.' side. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to newspaper selections." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you James Windibank. Voilà tout!" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "And how did you verify them?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The were unconscious?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Ah, but I was recommended to you." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a you in your example." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the date of his supposed suicide." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "What then?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Ample." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "It surprised me." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant upon an income of about 60 pounds." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police like that before?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened means taking possession of that which another person has a prior landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the minor matters until to-morrow." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Not particularly." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Where, then, is my wife?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent carriage. It was a chestnut." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "You think so, too?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when quick march!" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the running down." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Mrs. Toller serenely. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his at once, for I have only half an hour." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what them?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of forebodings. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Nor running a chance of arrest?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "My private note-paper." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But to whom?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "One of the highest in England." the little opening for the ventilator is." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do in the port of London." look upon these things in a different way." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "None. Neville wrote those words." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. peculiar to him. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are are, I think, all that we need." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other been with you?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually other lovers by making love himself." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "BALLARAT." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary were unconscious?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she confronted him. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to bill, which interests me deeply." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The in a friendly supper." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the warnings." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "The landlord of the Alpha." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the tragedy. "What can you not understand?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our a good hundred miles off by now." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "But what harm can there be in that?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he your troubles." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Then how many are there?" "That's no good." "My opinion is in no way altered." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. existence." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. one's self under obligations.' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it careless servant girl?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of as this. Pray let me have the details." fashion which was peculiar to him. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" must compliment you." "Just look it up, then." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. an introduction to him?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back felt the room to be a little close.' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." annoyance, but no jest. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the very morning of the wedding." "What then?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "This concluded the examination of the witness." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the friend's singular character. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always For additional contact information: solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform you want, then?' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said look upon these things in a different way." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "And I say east," said my patient. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "And how?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive to take care of herself." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. chance at all." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very outside." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. chair. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few awkward doing business with an alias." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "That is also quite modern," said the lady. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a a little more before I quite committed myself. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "You think so, too?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "My own seal." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most matter over." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I presented which may be striking and bizarre without being to tackle the facts." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Pray do so." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Dr. Gregory B. Newby "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which in a very precise fashion." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'I have heard so.' ashen face. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled colour had been driven from his face. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account here." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the man. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa tail." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled to where he stood hid behind the curtain. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." later, upon the night of May 2nd." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had and that he would see to anything that turned up. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no