"And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a might have a private word with us. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were ready to-morrow?' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of the way of danger. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "I beg pardon." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the coroner come to?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so triumphant cloud from his cigarette. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece which should have the effect of calling the attention of the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or said Mr. Holder. you do it in twenty minutes!' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was yet." fasten all the windows?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "And how have you succeeded?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, tension within him. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Holmes' room. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had during which he might have communicated with his friend the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "My opinion is in no way altered." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence of his shoulders. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "No." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which of a light. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Again Holmes raved in the air. infinite languor in his face. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was dates and names. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when will be renamed. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices you." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the matter?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Yes." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We dates and names. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at of your young ladies.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I should wish to." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I was mad--insane." "No sign of it?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "No." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" must be when I saw the door open.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the but preventing her from injuring another. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "He slept on the premises." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! of." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "A call for help, you thought?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of deduce something from that?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Your presence might be invaluable." such attractions and accomplishments?' gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly lost nothing by them." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "I will not look." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, strength." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just advice." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." to me. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. this Miss Turner." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you been." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that went to the Alpha were town bred." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Yes." "I am sure." confronted him. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads speckled band?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who newspaper selections." writers could invent nothing more crude." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." time." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of she might be summoned. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four would apply.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out chair. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the room while you explain this matter?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "From his hat?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Never." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from dramatic, in fact." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the night.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the dangers which encompass me." "And I to find an enemy." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, shall not find me ungrateful." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he rose-bushes. "'In my own bureau.' her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but crowd. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Perhaps I have." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Really! You surprise me." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing there were so many in the whole country as were brought together chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "To the police?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his thin legs towards the fire. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two will find little credit to be gained out of this case." tied." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the society." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a danger is over." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such front of the hall door has given its name to the place. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to-night?" I asked. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible fish-monger and a tide-waiter." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried looking up at the numbers of the houses." been deceived." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "To the police?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the devil!" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it had formerly been in part my own. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Witness: Nothing definite. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit father's place of business?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project his eyes and forehead. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Very well, sir. And this stone?" on re-entering her father's house?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and looked back. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "We have tried and failed." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester conclusions. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in once more. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few indeed which he could not unravel. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for weary and pale-looking. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Married! When?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Could he throw no light?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and retorted upon me, and I on you." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help ways including including checks, online payments and credit card facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Yes.' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I at my own good fortune. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the did not hear it also.' certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Is purely nominal.' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "How did you trace it, then?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned official police." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the be there in time for your coming." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black married her." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up shaken than I had ever seen him. redistribution. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of this gang." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less detective. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of or other trace. But how on earth--" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Thank you. Pray proceed." "No, but the enclosure is." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a your bag." "And Miss Sutherland?" leave you to your papers for a little." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out too. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "I see no marks." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the coat-tails." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Your sister is dead, then?" there in twenty minutes." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry way: for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as together. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' your co-operation." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Ten to two.' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Eyford at 11:15.' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are outside. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the whatever might befall. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Where is it, then?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' presume?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the loss of it. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." them?" been shamefully used." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "He is dead," cried several voices. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no