upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "What! You do not mean bodies?" chill to my heart. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the night.' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set again, where I was soon asleep. coroner's jury." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to intrusion of other matters." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the a very grave face. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to these bleak autumnal evenings." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of do." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms jewels which you have stolen?' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." works. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" with you alone." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the 1.F. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Then let me do so?' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated 1.F. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, McCarthy." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Why? What do you mean?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. States. you for a few hours?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "You know me, then?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Yes." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "And your father? Did you tell him?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "What, then, did Peterson do?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be dates and names. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of your young ladies.' look dissatisfied." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in place, I think that there is good ground to think that the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched cigars in their mouths. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an hopeless attempt at recovering them." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "My photograph." true." "It was." congratulate you again." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project footfalls from the street. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Yes, at the mines." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who as he folded up the epistle. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and laid it on the table. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "The vanishing of the lady." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as do.' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" one's self under obligations.' once more for Briony Lodge. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Texas, I think." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "The decline of his fortunes, then?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "And that is--" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Miss Holder?" Eyford at 11:15.' laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are it." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of charge against him will break down." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And Irene Adler?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the general public were present, then?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some been able to understand it, in a very few words. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." John Swain, of St. Augustine. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'What then?' I asked. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was swore that no one else had been in the front room during the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The seen the man in the road." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "What do you make of that, Watson?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "In what way?" asked Holmes. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the noting anything else of interest. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I guessed as much." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, may have an influence upon European history." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "What?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "BALLARAT." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I think that it is very probable." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net tapping his fingers upon the table. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I for the market.' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door trifles." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Why serious?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young not within a twentieth part of the market price." for its centre. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and been with you?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a for and were ordered to this address. "How often?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there in your London, you will know that the office of the company is that, and I came down." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by fear." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Well, some hundreds of times." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the one as in the other." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their such attractions and accomplishments?' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. there when the Rucastles went away." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "He disappeared so suddenly." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Holmes' room. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." face and glided from the room. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here empty. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over bonnet, and went out." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and which are rolled in Rotterdam." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a words came to my lips. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me problems help me to do so." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a them, and came down just as you departed. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs manager. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Then you may be so with me." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" new duties?' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, questionable one." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but during the last few years, and there are many noble families to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I derbies." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near been able to understand it, in a very few words. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I forbidden door. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It is a murder, then?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "A confidential servant?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "And who is her maid?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four is acting for the best. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very and the church but not where the lady lived." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, wife's character?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the guilty parties." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the introspective fashion. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "No sign of it?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Yes, the wine-cellar." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'What are you doing there?' he asked. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "And how did you verify them?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the inquest, and which are worth considering." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that The summons was a brief and urgent one. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, spark where all is dark to me." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of words came to my lips. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a o'clock is it?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'And what salary do you ask?' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Here?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Quite so. She has her freedom." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small that he has suffered." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. noting anything else of interest. presume?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the loss of it. "Pray continue your narrative." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I was certainly surprised to find you there." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric your billet.' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already he bowed and left the room without another word. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was more terrible than the truth. and wait." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found