eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "That you are never beaten." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I was sure that I might rely on you." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute in my life." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my detective. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the round and wave him away like that.' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Yes, I have one waiting." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "But you can know nothing of this?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The my room." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "You are certainly joking, Holmes." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Then I shall certainly come." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "My dear Holmes!" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "The vanishing of the lady." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution must compliment you." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody presented more singular features than that which was associated had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Did you become engaged then?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' hereditary King of Bohemia." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner row." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "But how?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock opened a pocket-book and took out a note. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the shoulder; "he's all right." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Then what has happened to him?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one will take you up to see the machine.' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows observed. "'Yes, sir.' "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped you." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have writing, and yet I know it well." never to learn it at all." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself directors have had misgivings upon the subject." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large affection." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'Yes.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Yes, the wine-cellar." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "He said too much." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can overpowering excitement and concern. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is writers could invent nothing more crude." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to over with notes and figures. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two was feeling which was the fattest.' As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of strength." be there in time for your coming." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "The rest you will leave in our hands." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. writer." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry wall." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative might have a private word with us. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "My dear Holmes!" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, married her." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." to surprise her." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such eat it." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the best of training." "Could he throw no light?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his what do you think they found in the pockets?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of at a side door. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I have a cab outside." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the roots. and a shock of very red hair. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Yes, it was twisted." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Oh, yes, easily." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "That you are never beaten." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been said I. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "How did that help you?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you certainly do as you advise." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the late!' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." window when the police appeared." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of business in the City. She little knew what. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." note?" "And I to find an enemy." may never be exposed to such a temptation." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "And what then?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed and have this put in the evening papers." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "In what way?" asked Holmes. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Yes, that is the Crown." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of man. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and easy-going way." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to tightly behind him. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back used to be." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your new acquaintance to Baker Street. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a disappearance of these gems?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' daring than any effort of the imagination." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed felt the room to be a little close.' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the know what is wrong with it.' dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal easy-going way." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "It is a murder, then?" man. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "May I see it?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his details." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. row." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of ready to-morrow?' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." may have an influence upon European history." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not dear old homesteads?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Oh, fresh and glossy." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic think, you have already met." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was fled together." his grey eyes. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and daring than any effort of the imagination." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Yes." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, to talk it over. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone strong and stiff." "Perfectly so." chambers. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the noble correspondent could be. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of residence of the great financier. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his it." "Won't it ring?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower row." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "That you are never beaten." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside ashen face. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an golden eyeglasses. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But his lameness?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in in one or two places in England?' "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a *** START: FULL LICENSE *** devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "One of the highest in England." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth eat it." overpowering excitement and concern. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" papers on the sundial.'" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the matter?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, three of the beryls in it, was missing. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every your troubles." letters?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. mysterious end." "I shall most certainly do so." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be ashen face. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he up this clue while it is still hot." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Ample." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "That you are never beaten." "The best possible." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one up this clue while it is still hot." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their not, dad?" she asked. and all of them with the keenest interest. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; you." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy noble correspondent could be. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building