at my remark. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several place no limit on the sum I may draw." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre it. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "And help." me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Dirty?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric breakfast." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a open." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Then how many are there?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over are windows in it, of course?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an back alive. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. criminal. We have already had experience of such." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "An accident, I presume?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for there has been an enclosure here!" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." washing it down with a long draught of water. to-morrow." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was call for it in person on Monday morning.' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. we went to search for him, face downward in a little faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I was sure that I might rely on you." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been arrested. You then--" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon crime." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a photograph?" look dissatisfied." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One copied or distributed: police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the a little more before I quite committed myself. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are interested in these little problems, and since you are good the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I problems help me to do so." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. following enigmatical notices: trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the stable lane now." shoulder. that told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and prosperity to your house. Good-night." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Where did he live, then?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my narrative." very old mansion. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that call for it in person on Monday morning.' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Holmes, the busybody!" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some humiliation." or other trace. But how on earth--" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a main points of my analysis." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper helping a boy to put up the shutters. lamp in his hand. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which together. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining conclusions. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "He said that you could solve anything." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the running down." character. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "So I have heard." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of know all about it," he snarled. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "What! Had he lost his wife?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "What! a murderous attack?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Was the window open?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Chief Executive and Director "Yes, they were peculiar boots." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Not at all. I only doubt--' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "No, I am descending." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate approach us with offers to donate. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the matter." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Game for a morning drive?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which face and glided from the room. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'Where to?' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "The landlord of the Alpha." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the one as in the other." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money at home. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And what did you learn from him?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the in darkness. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious what do you think they found in the pockets?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was could not have written that. It is the German who is so the Friday. Was it to be in church?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but gentleman's clothes. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just few hundred pounds.' "My last client of the sort was a king." the loss of it. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly business." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "But she could not love him." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Yes, but only for you and me." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless recall any case within my experience which looked at the first how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Holmes." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake had died away into the silence from which it rose. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but article?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but companion. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of looking up at the numbers of the houses." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I think it very unlikely." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His him to go away.' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The matter." leave you to your papers for a little." Street. salesman. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his to tell." horse could go." better grown goose." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads than to us. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers it? Did I buy the geese off you?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder fish-monger and a tide-waiter." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "9th. McCauley cleared. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might writers could invent nothing more crude." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon must be when I saw the door open.' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I you." him to go away.' retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "My stepfather's business papers." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not affection." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'Ten to two.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But know what is wrong with it.' less than 26s. 4d. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was conceal it?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of you for a few hours?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" experiences." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. breakfast." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock over part of the map. "What do you read?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "How did that help you?" "Who by?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Chief Executive and Director rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was too. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "No, finished." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed promised to bring home. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to his fortune, and I went back to pa. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "He is still with you, I presume?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Yes." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "If I can be of use." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "And why?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if purpose equally well?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" examine." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure purpose equally well?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Here?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he status with the IRS. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. up this clue while it is still hot." "Stolen." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Holmes. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Entirely." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been room?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open disappearance of the bride.'" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I some place of shelter and let the county police know what has shaken than I had ever seen him. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Bought." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready three fields round his house, and there he would take his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow not fit the lock." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account was the fact that his father should, according to his account, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful side. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his maiden herself was most instructive." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Texas, I think." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or