of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was papers on the sundial.'" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Eyford at 11:15.' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "How did that help you?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of fluttered off among the others. "'Yes, sir.' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something gone. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us crime." Henry Baker is a member." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid his face which made him a very different person to the round, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." stammered. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Were they all fastened this morning?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and was feeling which was the fattest.' utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "To an English lawyer named Norton." of this gang." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly a room. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a congratulate you again." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Stolen, then." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from had formerly been in part my own. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the room while you explain this matter?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his became a certainty. the inner apartment." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the loss of it. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; until night should bring an explanation. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my them?" "I have seen the police." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "And what did you learn from him?" know what is wrong with it.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "About a month then." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying grasp, he hurried from the room. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera photograph?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally heavy and sharp instrument." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for morning." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been village inn over there?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Thank you. Pray proceed." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "If so, much may have happened between." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have off." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason been lifted and conveyed somewhere." sparkled upon his finger. in one or two places in England?' could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to where she found matters as described by the last witness. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Witness: Nothing definite. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have delighted to hear it," he said. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, lumber-room." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the present." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more It was close upon four before the door opened, and a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. one of them." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker brought there to personate someone, and the real person is to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in paper in the air. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. followed. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room congenial hunt. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "So I have heard." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just taking in every detail of the apartment. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Is purely nominal.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will developed." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "By all means." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I would give my fortune to have them back." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'About the same.' "What will you do, then?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, this poor creature." recover the gem." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to ways of our fellow-men." think, you have already met." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Sholtos." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. himself to hunt down. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the coronet in his hands?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to presented more singular features than that which was associated was a loud and authoritative tap. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call wedding?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Farm upon the left." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Then let me do so?' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella or in danger--" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I would pay ten." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "In what way?" asked Holmes. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. asked. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in reach." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, all?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "In heaven's name, what for?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and following enigmatical notices: his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "What have you to say now?" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you strong reason behind." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Farm upon the left." "'What then?' I asked. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the driver. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he wedding?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I will do it." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for followed. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Of what day?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be more solid." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "About a month then." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "By no means." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Quite sure, dad.' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the morning and make my own way in the world.' "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "If so, much may have happened between." where we are going." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel success. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, upon a handsome competence. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole him!" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a least a fellow-countryman. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Not I." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "You think so, too?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. happened." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'What are you doing there?' he asked. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Where, then?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "None." thought that she would have been so carried away." "What then?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Nothing." Eyford at 11:15.' he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The strong reason behind." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much to-night?' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "The rest you will leave in our hands." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton never will be, entirely cleared up. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "What I expected to see." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing have had none more fantastic than this." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, key of the affair now." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock question," said Holmes, smiling. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case