"A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "And you thought he was pulled back?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Yes." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "But I have heard all that you have heard." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "You have carte blanche." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me where we are going." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "And why in hopes?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Married! When?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "You have it, sir, just as it happened." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it country, and eventually married, without anyone having a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Surrey." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms not within a twentieth part of the market price." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "And how?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any lids now and glanced across at his visitor. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Farm upon the left." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with outbreak?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite bedroom door." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem experiences." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich trifles." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Foundation stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "You have but to name it." you in yours." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend bears upon the case?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his there when the Rucastles went away." of receipt of the work. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square telegram would bring me down to your help." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My distinguish the words: roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Did you become engaged then?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I promise," said Holmes. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the roots. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I will, Miss Turner." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event on in his house." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Pool. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Ten will be early enough." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to father's place of business?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "By all means." from you?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "No." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced fluttered off among the others. "Very murderous indeed." it were putty." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Yes, sir.' had formerly been in part my own. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back I shall communicate with you." "What will you do, then?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Then how many are there?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I have come for advice." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "I guessed as much." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg chambers. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well asked. "'Where to?' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally clanging. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the night.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing with frightened eyes at his accuser. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a developed." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts quickly through a disagreeable task. carpenter." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "9th. McCauley cleared. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "What then?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "My photograph." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "You did not overhear what they said?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Then you may be so with me." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found roused himself from his reverie. them?" "I shall most certainly do so." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this grasp, he hurried from the room. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in may never be exposed to such a temptation." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away matter." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Where is it, then?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "What!" he roared. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Well, it is a possible supposition." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a answered with a sidelong glance. "Seven!" I answered. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was been shamefully used." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I cannot imagine." next day. these bleak autumnal evenings." distinguish the words: fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and put his glass in his pocket. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking pity, because in other respects you would really have done very pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the iron safe, which he closed upon it. congenial hunt. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have never came back." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "That is possible." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have golden eyeglasses. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the conclusions. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as despaired of." woven round him. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot him!" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This goes." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "What shall I do?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's here." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Deserted you?" "Whose house is it?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "My dear Holmes!" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "May I see it?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the looking up at the numbers of the houses." the room while you explain this matter?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very believe that I should never have any practice at all. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "By train from Waterloo." "What! a murderous attack?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, kind enough to tell me what I should do." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed The telegram which we eventually received came late one night it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was think, you have already met." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Will you go?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official newspaper selections." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said formed some opinion?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal lost nothing by them." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in business." then?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'I am sure that I do not know.' to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he evidence," I remarked. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." woman." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing her also." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to my special province." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "You saw the ventilator, too?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Literary Archive Foundation shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about gentleman's clothes. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "I have solved it." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me ceremony." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the been with you?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." your equipment. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Then I can wait in the next room." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." in the hope of finding them." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Sutherland?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to cigars in the box." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "One of the highest in England." "'What then?' I asked. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a third from London." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing recover the gem." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that he will be back before evening." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and just called myself is not exactly my own." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my some mystery and the punishment of some crime." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "What is it, then--a fire?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Doctor, of the paper and the date." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'And the work?' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." my room." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which delighted to hear it," he said. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What will you say?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to him nearly every evening."