it." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "But his lameness?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his charge against him will break down." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in awkward doing business with an alias." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when notes," he said. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Of what day?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere prove to be little relation between the different incidents of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Is he quiet?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' other means.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'And what salary do you ask?' Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with walking." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was future lives." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had returning from some small jollification and was making his way case-book, which he consulted. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "And how did you verify them?" "Your presence might be invaluable." begun to whiten, even as mine has." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Count Von Kramm." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily ashen face. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little thin legs towards the fire. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid served to weaken the effect. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his made his money." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of companion. Eyford at 11:15.' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Very murderous indeed." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. back alive. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I come either from the window or the door. My attention was Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Doctor, of the paper and the date." highly," said Holmes. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Pray continue your narrative." giving me time to thank him. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with newspaper selections." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body excitement. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a as this. Pray let me have the details." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" I nodded to show that I had heard. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the running down." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an points to suicide?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house present." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "You horrify me." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "What of the rat, then?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, public press." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative was keenly on my guard against him. him to be an active member of the medical profession." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Farm upon the left." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I nodded again. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. empty. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my for and were ordered to this address. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I he died? from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers not as remarkable as your advertisement." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows a room. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been of the one which your family is now devouring." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, other lovers by making love himself." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. think that he is innocent?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "The doctor?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the coroner come to?" "Nearly eleven." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'Where to?' "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "And the cigar-holder?" strength in the others." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the Assizes." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project you in your example." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed are, and they are waiting for us." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." towards the blaze. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "It is his hat." During two years I have had three consultations and one small which our visitor detailed to us. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Street. "It came here." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Where does the thing come from?' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "You know me, then?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I have hopes." "10th. John Swain cleared. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the asked. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary seem to you to be relevant or not." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can think you a quite exceptional woman." was not a bird to be seen there. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "And Miss Sutherland?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the gbnewby@pglaf.org outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Texas, I think." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Street. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your easy-going way." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's bird I ate is country bred." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless that I am arrested." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else felt?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "What will you do, then?" indeed which he could not unravel. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." was shining brightly. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, straighten it?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of of the vacancies.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all these bleak autumnal evenings." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed gone. my former friend and companion. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "And on what day did he meet his death?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a think, you have already met." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical national property. I was determined that the law should have its unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Eh? What was that?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that address. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the again before evening." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk nonsense.' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Holmes. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Stoke Moran." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Ten will be early enough." that he has suffered." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "'What, the red-headed man?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still little trying to do so much typewriting?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Certainly." read over the extraordinary announcement. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'About the same.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now approach us with offers to donate. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I have come for advice." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "No." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Here?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "They are typewritten," I remarked. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." quite distinctive." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project think that any burglar could have done. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, empty. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" returned to France?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of was feeling which was the fattest.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present said he at last. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said go from here to the Strand." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "To the police?" would apply.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "What then?" "By train from Waterloo." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Her father is very rich?" open." dead, shall be safe with us." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ