down from London to inquire more deeply into it." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and telegram would bring me down to your help." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "VIOLET HUNTER." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'Yes, it was gone.' Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "And leave your case unfinished?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my as yours." "Thank you. Pray proceed." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. observed. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I have it here in my museum." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very appointment with me for six o'clock?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Eyford at 11:15.' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "What office?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, possible that we could bring him back to her? "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Yes, I have one waiting." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and my room." companion. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear more solid." a very grave face. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I am still in the dark." "And on what day did he meet his death?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Here?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's voice, changing her seat as requested. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'What are you doing there?' he asked. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the to affect your life." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Yes, at the mines." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself salesman. companion imperturbably. "ARAT," I read. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly His smile broadened. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for into the room. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in back to my heart. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case ashen face. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "They are typewritten," I remarked. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "He disappeared so suddenly." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a never to learn it at all." "How can you tell that?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. writing, and yet I know it well." "I was sure that I might rely on you." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think some place of shelter and let the county police know what has see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you disturbance in my wife." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a prisoner's face. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the loss of it. "'Which dealer's?' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to served to weaken the effect. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification newspaper selections." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who lips." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" locked." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and not, dad?" she asked. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark It was close upon four before the door opened, and a asked. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. This is what he says: the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation attention." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "What is it, then--a fire?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Pray continue your narrative." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with relief. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." fishes. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and quickly through a disagreeable task. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons question you as to those details which seem to me to be most horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "How often?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know think you a quite exceptional woman." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I a very grave face. "And how did you verify them?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I came to find a friend." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people 11:15.' but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "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 "Certainly." one else, I think." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, again on its way. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I do." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your towards the blaze. eavesdroppers?' is a common subject for conversation. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not The police have openly confessed that they can at present make fishes. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he unkempt, staring out at me. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said fluttered off among the others. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too flock.' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, wanted for ourselves." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say other, as fresh and trim as possible. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" details." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Thank you. And your address?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And what did you see?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I cannot as yet see any connection." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "We have tried and failed." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it strange features which were associated with the two crimes which within hail.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of pierced for earrings?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with will take you up to see the machine.' hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client most interesting one." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'Ten to two.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, chance at all." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "How on earth--" would apply.' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a call you and give you the chance." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had conclusions. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I cannot say that I have." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the my special province." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the more terrible than the truth. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the roots. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his confronted him. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "And Irene Adler?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." about. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, constraint." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner gone. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which be sorry for having acted so harshly." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six straighten it?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny as he folded up the epistle. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his new acquaintance to Baker Street. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door an introduction to him?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Pray tell us what has happened to you." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "He slept on the premises." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Witness: It was. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." touch that coronet?' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney John Swain, of St. Augustine. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Eyford." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'A dozen yards or so.' young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Did he not advertise?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, evidence," I remarked. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two I took the paper from him and read as follows: He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "It is solved." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "What will you say?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set my room." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the less than 26s. 4d. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "But I have heard all that you have heard." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Well?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private prison!" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own writers could invent nothing more crude." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and do." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the occurred." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have passage and a tap at the door. manager. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Holmes' room. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life pictures, libraries, or plate. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Then he might have called to you?" posted to-day." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are should be taken.' I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. mystery." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Was he the only applicant?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Nothing." "A call for help, you thought?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off that absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** girl said." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. there has been an enclosure here!" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." manager. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, already referred to. least a most suspicious remark." a good hundred miles off by now." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be