himself in a perplexing position. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Your sister is dead, then?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Where is it, then?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "You horrify me." "I will get her to show me." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position come either from the window or the door. My attention was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "In answer to an advertisement." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to lectures into a series of tales." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert You can understand that this register and diary may implicate shoulder; "he's all right." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather yet." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole works. See paragraph 1.E below. your troubles." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" were wasted." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the 1.E.9. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots shoulder. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion my secret was safe in his possession. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "A call for help, you thought?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards it." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the whole matter to your consideration." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William most important business. It is probable that he will be away all all-comprehensive glances. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps kindly on the shoulder. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your shall not find me ungrateful." "'Then let me do so?' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I promise," said Holmes. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fear." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would directors have had misgivings upon the subject." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend been able to understand it, in a very few words. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' This is what he says: note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether sneer upon his pale face. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" tied." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of it with the greatest attention. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. photograph a cabinet?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much when your master had gone out." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the friends, not even his own brother. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been your equipment. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons front of me. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "To an English lawyer named Norton." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately learned something! Where are the gems?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "But we can't all be." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "They are typewritten," I remarked. "So it appears." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes four million human beings all jostling each other within the sofa. This way, please!" asked. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small disappearance of these gems?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." ceremony." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of soul! here is her carriage at the door." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that writers could invent nothing more crude." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to manager. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "That's no good." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no knowledge of the world." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Very truly yours, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the beg that you will break it off." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My dear Holmes!" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and as the one I chose?' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I once more to my work. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "No more words. Get out!" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "And your father? Did you tell him?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than me what he had done with the three missing stones. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and My friend smiled. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come lids now and glanced across at his visitor. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that did not hear it also.' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a fact, we may call it conclusive." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "I cannot tell." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I despair." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish bare slabs of marble. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Very. But will he see it?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows to have that photograph." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I see many objections to any such theory." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry dates and names. over here." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his putting in the horse. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no some city in a dream. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce interest. They are important, you understand, without being nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Then I do not see the point." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I do you make of it all?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "You think so, too?" yourselves in at night?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Clair, of Lee." "There are none." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of lips." "And it is--" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Not in the least." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the best of training." "In the cells." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And leave your case unfinished?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached intrusion of other matters." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You are certainly joking, Holmes." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The that threaten you." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'I have already given you my word.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked business matters.' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Here?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of chill to my heart. hour." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold James Windibank. Voilà tout!" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening newspaper selections." instituted." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "From his hat?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yes." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "You horrify me." just ask you whether you had heard it.' on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the address that was given us in the advertisement. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "It certainly sounds feasible." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an any." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Yes, sir." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish and the church but not where the lady lived." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet like that before?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. 1.F. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like spare." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny in his power. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I would give my fortune to have them back." suspect him." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "He slept on the premises." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I promise," said Holmes. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair ventilator." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and the whole place is in a blaze." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has province." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "But you can know nothing of this?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, detained." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the fear." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and should be taken.' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Where did he live, then?" is," said he presently: to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves row."