"A client, then?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'What, the red-headed man?' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "It missed him, then?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Then what has happened to him?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to certainly do as you advise." burst out into a roar of laughter. "'Ten to two.' street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we that he will be back before evening." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "And I say east," said my patient. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, to take care of herself." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though remarked. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was there when the Rucastles went away." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful charge against him will break down." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "So I heard. You have him here?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. death." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "No, but the enclosure is." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The bill, which interests me deeply." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "No." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able papers must be those that are destroyed.' only touch the interest." once more. said I. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good because she had spent so short a time in this country that she chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "From his hat?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was disappearance of the bride.'" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "No." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. me what he had done with the three missing stones. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. awkward doing business with an alias." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "And how in the world did you find them?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in his cane at the bell-pull. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the approach us with offers to donate. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from until night should bring an explanation. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of your sleep?' trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was these bleak autumnal evenings." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from questioning and rather startled gaze. for its centre. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife you give your casting vote to?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "By no means." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two narrative." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' became a certainty. that you can jump it.' the nursery. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "But you have hopes?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Very. But will he see it?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears know that the truth is known." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the driver. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the bed, and you in that chair." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire my secret was safe in his possession. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he at home. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. of the one which your family is now devouring." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one national property. I was determined that the law should have its copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "And who is her maid?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and call it cruel." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in think you a quite exceptional woman." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what of Mr. Rucastle's." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. you want, then?' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the fluttered off among the others. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it digesting their breakfasts at home." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? seem to you to be relevant or not." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Then what has happened to him?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my imbecility!" he cried. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not experiences." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE things are very often connected not with the larger but with the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His suspect him." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, present." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Then he might have called to you?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the night.' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "What?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of of." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward voice. unprofitable." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. in one or two places in England?' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the questioning and rather startled gaze. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "And you don't know his address?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during was already answered. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Why? What do you mean?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. I leave." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the bottom.' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the purpose of examination. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "None." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there writers could invent nothing more crude." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that would then never go into court at all." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. tail." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Ha! you find it so?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a within hail.' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the room while you explain this matter?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I have hopes." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Yes, only one." your Highness to the police-station?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Cross for the Continent." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Ha! you find it so?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is weapon." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" that threaten you." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage four million human beings all jostling each other within the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear round with crates and massive boxes. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I fatally injured? he bowed and left the room without another word. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then felt the room to be a little close.' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond of them has the shutters up.' ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "But what harm can there be in that?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and these bleak autumnal evenings." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Will you bet, then?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three cost them two and thirty pounds." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Oh, yes, easily." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Perfectly so." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography American. Then who could this American be, and why should he ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "But you were on a friendly footing?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. outsides of the windows. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Eh? What was that?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was so far?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I cannot imagine." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "How did that help you?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the Friday. Was it to be in church?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter works. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside do you make of it all?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Foundation distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him there!' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "You have compromised yourself seriously." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have three of the beryls in it, was missing. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high to-night." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant characteristics, but those are the more obvious." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining