fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Yes, sir.' post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor at my own good fortune. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Holmes' room. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Where is it, then?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you evidence," I remarked. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "But it has twice been burgled." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "This photograph!" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." into the room. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and I shall be with you presently." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in business at Coburg Square is serious." money should be paid at once.' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it sparkled upon his finger. his fortune, and I went back to pa. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "What is it?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his morning." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." see me here to avoid scandal." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by best detective that ever lived. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with pound a week." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I next day. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Yes." "Yes, but only for you and me." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant not as remarkable as your advertisement." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "It looks newer than the other things?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "You horrify me." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "My stepfather's business papers." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I have hopes." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was astonishment. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Come in!" said Holmes. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such figure." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would before the coroner and the police-court." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Not I." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like residence of the great financier. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "To ruin me." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an mystery may be cleared along those lines." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "The landlord of the Alpha." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No sign of it?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Holmes. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which best detective that ever lived. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "You have the photograph?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I was certainly surprised to find you there." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would papers on the sundial.'" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs had this final quarrel? "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Eyford at 11:15.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, good-night and bustled off upon her way. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any peculiar to him. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and files of the old papers, following the future career of every may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have matters immensely." garden below. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said observed. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Oh, yes, easily." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I saw her in conversation with her maid." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my held up the lantern and gazed about him. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. were unconscious?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "But you were on a friendly footing?" you do it in twenty minutes!' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it at home. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and this remarkable episode. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting door?" "My own seal." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "And when will you call?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." then?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'Yes, it was gone.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east could go. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the be best to do. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the friend's singular character. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." records." "I have seen the police." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more a little more before I quite committed myself. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one been shamefully used." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your have I gained?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. with frightened eyes at his accuser. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at eavesdroppers?' we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated next day. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of felt the room to be a little close.' "That is not always so easy." "No." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It imbecility!" he cried. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and official police." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Yes, only one." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "And who is her maid?" fishes. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and inquire as to the address." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I guessed as much." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have young Openshaw's." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his deduce something from that?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." assist you in forming an opinion." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account such attractions and accomplishments?' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "And I." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "But she will refuse." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of in a very precise fashion." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and you do it in twenty minutes!' abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Nothing?" friend's singular character. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." against a man in the prime of life?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some to have been novel and of interest." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door any more." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I came to find a friend." might have a private word with us. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "How did you deduce the select?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true 11:15.' grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I outside. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough neither fascinating nor artistic." friend's singular character. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an again before evening." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair whole matter to your consideration." "Certainly." "And that is--" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "She showed me, as I told you she would." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the matter?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated new acquaintance to Baker Street. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. business at Coburg Square is serious." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end bare slabs of marble. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous was a perfect sample of the class. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I will try. What is it?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Dr. Becher's." point in the dark hollow of his hand. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Where does the thing come from?' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would putting in the horse. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master all that?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. his cane at the bell-pull. to Leatherhead. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that DISSOLVED. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "And the cigar-holder?" "What! a murderous attack?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I have hopes." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her careless servant girl?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to there in twenty minutes." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I know where it is." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business pictures, libraries, or plate. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Quite so."