Eyford at 11:15.' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the place no limit on the sum I may draw." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he one of the states of the Union." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and put his glass in his pocket. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the someone who had been in Australia." "Oh, yes, easily." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever read over the extraordinary announcement. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'As governess?' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Yes, at the mines." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, drawing your inferences." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the sparkled upon his finger. least a fellow-countryman. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Where is it, then?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to had this final quarrel? The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those wife's character?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events married her." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are get her out of the way." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. peculiar to him. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling bonnet, and went out." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'What then?' I asked. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the whereabouts. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire seem to you to be relevant or not." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was in the port of London." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting possible that we could bring him back to her? and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Precisely." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had it were putty." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'Oh, no.' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging hand, madam?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to your sleep?' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project passage and a tap at the door. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the absorbing." where she found matters as described by the last witness. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his awkward doing business with an alias." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the address that was given us in the advertisement. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew followed. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. already been minutely examined." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "That is easily got." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I think that it is very probable." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" you understand?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police you." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "And why?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Precisely so. But how--" of them has the shutters up.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the coroner come to?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "But what is it you wish?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for whether it answered to the description of any of their nights." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Yes, from Horsham." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more my former friend and companion. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal upon the sideboard." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which should have the effect of calling the attention of the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "And how in the world did you find them?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "You heard nothing yourself last night?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined breakfast." "My stepfather's business papers." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I was concerned in it." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the detained." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. strong reason behind." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Certainly, madam." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near fattened it expressly for you.' I took the paper from him and read as follows: "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, status with the IRS. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." more solid." drawing your inferences." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It details should find their way into the papers. Inspector arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, you for a few hours?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles round and wave him away like that.' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the very letters. But what is this written above them?' rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "He disappeared so suddenly." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "In which, sir?" when you have done it." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "What! a murderous attack?" Pope's Court. that threaten you." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet criminal. We have already had experience of such." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Was the window open?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "My photograph." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if it right.' in the port of London." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to-night's adventure." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his huge brown hands. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, before, for it was considerably after midnight. tied." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Then, as to money?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something weigh very heavily upon my conscience." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and such attractions and accomplishments?' connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young me, and I could not think that his explanation of the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Yes." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like it were putty." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "I cannot tell." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' bonnet, and went out." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "On the contrary, this is the right side." murdered man." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The tied." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his too. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Lee, in the county of Kent." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual second." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with with some details as to your case." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Dr. Becher's." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Witness: I must still refuse. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. to tackle the facts." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Of what day?" paper in the air. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Certainly." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was was keenly on my guard against him. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his up this clue while it is still hot." prisoner's face. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Yes, but only for you and me." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "'Very good.' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Pray continue your narrative." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of strength." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "What are they?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean house for five minutes.' over with notes and figures. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'Yes, it was gone.' there was no need for father to know." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark society." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already within hail.' a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under corner of the building. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'I am sure if I had known--' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of few hundred pounds.' untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for that he has suffered." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Where, then, is my wife?" dear old homesteads?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "This concluded the examination of the witness." Holmes. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and look upon these things in a different way." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows go--none." the warnings." sound at heart." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him of the way of danger. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I heavy and sharp instrument." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "I say that I have solved it." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had my friend's incisive reasoning. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "It is no ordinary one." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "The rest you will leave in our hands." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "My photograph." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the was keenly on my guard against him. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." electronic works almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "He might."