Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'About the same.' Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you in yours." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "My dear Holmes!" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I shall most certainly do so." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Have you it here?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "He might." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I answered that I had not. should be so warm over such a trifle." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would off." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land triumphant cloud from his cigarette. said he at last. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that business came to an end." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the coronet in his hands?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Very well, sir. And this stone?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. was a perfect sample of the class. wall." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the hard-headed British jury." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "It is solved." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a later, upon the night of May 2nd." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the inner apartment." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "VIOLET HUNTER." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "And leave your case unfinished?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "It looks newer than the other things?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as once more. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I unkempt, staring out at me. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Dirty?" lamp. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, paper in the air. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Yes." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable companion quietly. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I it. it." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "ARAT," I read. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. retorted upon me, and I on you." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three might help us?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let redistribution. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "It is true that I have been generally successful." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "No?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I saw her in conversation with her maid." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "And that is--" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one results." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I am following you closely," I answered. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my already referred to. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "To ruin me." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "And from a noble client?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad used to be." good for you to do.' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I have solved it." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. to-night's adventure." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "What can it mean?" I gasped. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "It is half-past ten now." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For appeal." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an there when the Rucastles went away." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me them?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "You have but to name it." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the best of training." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "It is a murder, then?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power pity, because in other respects you would really have done very during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "My last client of the sort was a king." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock means taking possession of that which another person has a prior better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he matter." upon a handsome competence. "I don't say that. Perhaps." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given them, and came down just as you departed. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, him to be an active member of the medical profession." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that there is a decided draught." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she correct than the official force." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I without success. At last the little money which I had saved began low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," The summons was a brief and urgent one. "And help." village inn over there?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" do you make of it all?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "I have a cab outside." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what with you alone." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird true." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the house with me." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Perhaps I have." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No said he. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been arms and began to sob in a high treble key. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, his cane at the bell-pull. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, it means?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." questionable one." address. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the best detective that ever lived. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side entirely lost his self-respect." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I am not easy in my mind about them." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows attention." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some just ask you whether you had heard it.' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if come either from the window or the door. My attention was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the King without delay." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor 11:15.' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." memory. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "My photograph." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. It may be so in this case, also." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time page at http://pglaf.org whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would call the police, let the police find what they can.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Entirely." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the dangers which encompass me." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "And sit in the dark?" both be extremely obliged.' paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." she might be summoned. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I might help us?" know what is wrong with it.' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very you for a few hours?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' signal between you and your father? individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Precisely." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am too. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "It's nothing of the kind." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which other, as fresh and trim as possible. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of at once, for I have only half an hour." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Perfectly so." there." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in compunction about shooting them down." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached should be so warm over such a trifle." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and it need not interfere very much with one's other together. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was better grown goose." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "A greater distance to travel." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little