he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I have come for advice." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining correct than the official force." how narrow had been my escape. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "No good news?" "Oh, yes, easily." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in woman." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Witness: It was. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was your sleep?' fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Pope's Court. feature." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements call the police, let the police find what they can.' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Of what day?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the wall." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I have hopes." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the over part of the map. "What do you read?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, there are nearly always some there." definite end. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he hour." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hour." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been you." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any my friend's incisive reasoning. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. into the bag, and made for the door. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could in this note: that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "But what is it you wish?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have had no one to advise her at such a crisis." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Have you good authority for what you say?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my take the flies, but not before." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. of this gang." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I am in hopes that she does." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." wedding?" with the outside air!" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Upon what point?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the letters?" "I will not look." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that bedroom door." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The business." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Of what day?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried what these perils are?" and laid it on the table. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner you for a few hours?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Why? What do you mean?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "How on earth--" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it away into the river." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Pray let us have it, for all that." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. might have a private word with us. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the nice household for a young lady." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I guessed as much." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And from a noble client?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not corner of the building. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the eavesdroppers?' "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending From what you have told me I think that it is possible that long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly kind enough to tell me what I should do." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up derbies." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "What! a murderous attack?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the one as in the other." indeed which he could not unravel. bedroom door." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Here?" becomes even more simple." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I cannot say that I have." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." was keenly on my guard against him. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way companion imperturbably. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and gentleman's clothes. "Yes." friend's singular character. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "No bad?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you stepfather?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." strong and stiff." went to the Alpha were town bred." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had absolutely follow my advice in every respect." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She thin legs towards the fire. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no you came in." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the weapon." confronted him. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For manager. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his were unconscious?" plantation.' knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the knowledge of the world." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very question," said Holmes, smiling. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "By all means." It may be so in this case, also." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever is now desirous of getting those letters back." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, works. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it with her." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the with you?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "And help." cause to be." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand everything which you would wish to know." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he behind me. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She tail." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever client, rising. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our said I. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "My stepfather's business papers." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, unprecedented a position." "I say it is." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project might have a private word with us. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Pray do so." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Yesterday." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Street. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even himself. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "You saw the ventilator, too?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "My dear Holmes!" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Farm upon the left." Street. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small against a man in the prime of life?" "And help." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Yes, from Horsham." chamber." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Game for a morning drive?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I am about to be married." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall arrested. You then--" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I see no marks." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Then I do not see the point." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I will, Miss Turner." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Precisely." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. hair?' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "By no means." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the you." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the coronet in his hands?" "But how?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence away into the river." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding appeal." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what province." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That events, Mr. Windibank!" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I am sure." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "No, I am descending." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of like that before?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "And why?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Holmes rather sternly. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I never have." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his held up the lantern and gazed about him. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Your sister is dead, then?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Mrs. Toller serenely. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. have an American origin." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign the warnings." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Which are?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and delighted to hear it," he said. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg