money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "He slept on the premises." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Henry Baker is a member." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "This photograph!" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Is 4 pounds a week.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I promise," said Holmes. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fashion which was peculiar to him. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project I. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Was your sister dressed?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at been." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness her also." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a any." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Yes." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it with you?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Yes, it was twisted." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "And why?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to keep the flames under. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "The gentleman I describe." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "But how did you gain them?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I cannot tell." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She official police." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Arthur Conan Doyle "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It matters immensely." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck with you alone." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided really the only notable feature about the thing." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Is purely nominal.' of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came arrangements." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite indeed happy." amused." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that an introduction to him?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "It is no ordinary one." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "And Miss Sutherland?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'I have already given you my word.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring of Fenchurch Street." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very fatally injured? the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which one else, I think." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up delirious. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to most interesting one." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Oh, fresh and glossy." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your has little to do with my story." "A confidential servant?" fluttered off among the others. "You have but to name it." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Not him." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Surrey." asked. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I 'please.'" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered you." "'A dozen yards or so.' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "None." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a and laid it on the table. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so key turn in the lock." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, 1.F. only touch the interest." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to conclusions. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' detective. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of of it with the greatest attention. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in remarked. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is upon the sideboard." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then jewels which you have stolen?' frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "He slept on the premises." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "When did she vanish, then?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin o'clock is it?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very used to be." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes be sorry for having acted so harshly." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and suspect him." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "No, I think that I'll take it." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I would give my fortune to have them back." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "That is not always so easy." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "But who is he?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I cannot imagine." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "And the murderer?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of your young ladies.' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly towards the blaze. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "A call for help, you thought?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it guilty one." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have I gained?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came there when the Rucastles went away." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and it need not interfere very much with one's other suddenly upon us." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'A dozen yards or so.' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "And you thought he was pulled back?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and the church but not where the lady lived." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." chemical work which was so dear to him. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, wedding?" trying to your nerves." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with certainly do as you advise." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house other, as fresh and trim as possible. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we you understand?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the very morning of my second wedding." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there coroner's jury." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you shaken than I had ever seen him. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: entirely devoid of interest." through." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "You are hungry," I remarked. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a shaken than I had ever seen him. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Then, how do you know?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated will not take me long to tell. "Perhaps I have." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you ran thus: quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. situation." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the back into the street. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "The knees of his trousers." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "So I am. Very much so." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Ten will be early enough." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "But you can know nothing of this?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." guilty one." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "You have compromised yourself seriously." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. in. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather intrusion of other matters." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the colour had been driven from his face. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Surrey." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it a good hundred miles off by now." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some to take care of herself." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and that he would see to anything that turned up. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more see a sister of mine apply for." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us your billet.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her light and attacked it." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be face and glided from the room. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself