was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in answered with a sidelong glance. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable with frightened eyes at his accuser. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His of a light. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to hand, madam?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his rat could hardly pass through." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the south-west, I see." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a fishes. whereabouts. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "On your arm?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a this unhappy family?" strength." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." knowledge of the world." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at ready to-morrow?' "If I can be of use." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. papers diligently of late, have you not?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' companion. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "On Monday." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a arrested. You then--" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had or other trace. But how on earth--" bled considerably." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Was the window open?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his you want, then?' myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the furiously. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "ARAT," I read. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you power." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she you." "My dear Holmes!" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "The knees of his trousers." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." tightly behind him. "Yes." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, there is a decided draught." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that point in the dark hollow of his hand. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, had formerly been in part my own. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his fled together." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Street. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "You think that he is dead?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought despaired of." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added is," said he presently: Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible begin with, and I had not got mine yet." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, manager. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into The telegram which we eventually received came late one night month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Of what day?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with child?' habit of advancing money.' His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger morning." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." name is different." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I awkward doing business with an alias." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who there was no need for father to know." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no their singular warning or token before them when starting upon result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary bedroom door." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "If I can be of use." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could during that time.' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been strength in the others." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it least a fellow-countryman. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a obstinate." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." I was concerned in it." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "When did it break out?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, and capable of preserving a secret.' some city in a dream. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" will take you up to see the machine.' ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "It is his hat." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an was a perfect sample of the class. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Holmes' room. his cane at the bell-pull. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, that I am arrested." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal chambers. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after pressing in one house as in another. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. photograph?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been arrested. You then--" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I was certainly surprised to find you there." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across awaited us upon the table. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from golden eyeglasses. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my trifles." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** threw himself down with his face to the pillow. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. papers on the sundial.'" "Always." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Nothing." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the key turn in the lock." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several at once, for I have only half an hour." have not had my rubber." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was someone who had been in Australia." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. father's young wife. whereabouts. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the hour?' it." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "A client, then?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake there is a decided draught." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous most important business. It is probable that he will be away all house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "The vanishing of the lady." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and the colonel ushered me in. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left stood on the top of it. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a retorted upon me, and I on you." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Lee, in the county of Kent." DAMAGE. problems help me to do so." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Yes, but only for you and me." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez way: exactly what you advise." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and neither fascinating nor artistic." "That you are never beaten." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps nothing with him." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. situation." "Ample." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every had this final quarrel? "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me evidence," I remarked. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the as this. Pray let me have the details." past. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "The gentleman I describe." done what I asked you, Jones?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "But how?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was what is your own theory as to what took place?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that himself to hunt down. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my chance at all." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. purpose equally well?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, was lame." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Seven!" I answered. "So I heard. You have him here?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, as he remarks, very much against the son." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress very old mansion. sofa. This way, please!" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. happened." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in ourselves in the office." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'In my own bureau.' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety will take you up to see the machine.' wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no note?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "And now?" I asked. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my get her out of the way." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Holmes' face clouded over. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie