Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is you understand?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed intrusion of other matters." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. my little problems." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be I approached. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Munro.' caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a sit on the left-hand side of the driver." salesman. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the that he will be back before evening." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I came to find a friend." of the one which your family is now devouring." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the Red-headed League." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is himself in a perplexing position. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his papers diligently of late, have you not?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "And why?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Pray do so." system of imprisonment?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and have this put in the evening papers." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked that he has suffered." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've III. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'You cannot say what it was?' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We certainly not very gracious." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and might help us?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some hurried away. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and matter over." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the fact, we may call it conclusive." "A call for help, you thought?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no gives a meaning to it." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish sit on the left-hand side of the driver." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers looking up at the numbers of the houses." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "One horse?" interjected Holmes. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. friends, not even his own brother. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the matter." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and shall probably return to London by the evening train." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should lectures into a series of tales." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his nonsense.' head. So long, then!" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many bears upon the case?" existence." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall that there was nothing in it, after all." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you certainly not very gracious." other means.' my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. been deceived." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly writers could invent nothing more crude." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the business matters.' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, delirious. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one burst into a hearty fit of laughter. conclusions. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the which it had come upon my father." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it footfalls from the street. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. passage and a tap at the door. "I was afraid that you were engaged." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Ten will be early enough." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. when your master had gone out." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "But not more so than I to find you." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "But his lameness?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Only as much as we can deduce." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project for and were ordered to this address. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing papers on the sundial.'" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "But not more so than I to find you." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and effective." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "That is it on the dressing-table." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Really! You surprise me." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "But he might be a bachelor." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. think that any burglar could have done. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Munro.' fasten all the windows?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." know all about it," he snarled. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the loss of it. prisoner's face. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Her father is very rich?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I should be immensely obliged to you." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "We must sit without light. He would see it through the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential third from London." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, made him keep the appointment." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Yes." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I shall communicate with you." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable figure." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Tired-looking or fresh?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical we went to search for him, face downward in a little I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be quickly through a disagreeable task. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and forehead. head. So long, then!" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate thought that she would have been so carried away." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and laid it on the table. distinguish the words: hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. were unconscious?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to-night." cost them two and thirty pounds." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes I was concerned in it." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the me. You must get home instantly and act." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, of the vacancies.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I suspect him." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I drawing your inferences." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cause to be." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and congratulate you again." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great to a light-house. business?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "So I have heard." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. himself in a perplexing position. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I feature." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the newspaper selections." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to do." believe that I should never have any practice at all. are windows in it, of course?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'Yes, it was gone.' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "And the murderer?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "But you were on a friendly footing?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'I shall certainly be there.' Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the his wife has ceased to love him." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'Most admirably.' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. visitors." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "To ruin me." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Very much so." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "And on what day did he meet his death?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Then you may be so with me." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Here?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without wife's character?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any experiences." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Not in the least." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the like that before?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'What, the red-headed man?' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Nor running a chance of arrest?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as