Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was prisoner's face. "By train from Waterloo." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Very truly yours, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on indeed happy." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. the little opening for the ventilator is." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four papers on the sundial.'" "But how will you look?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'Ample.' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely It may be so in this case, also." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "In the cells." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. fattened it expressly for you.' appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner suggested at once that there must be a communication between the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" one else, I think." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and public press." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps good for you to do.' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or narrative." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Yes, that is the Crown." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who later, upon the night of May 2nd." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Yes." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "My photograph." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I will, Miss Turner." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Indeed! Whose, then?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, business matters.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and notes," he said. "By no means." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her what is your own theory as to what took place?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do go back?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "And sit in the dark?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our whereabouts. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the narrative." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "A thing like a cleaver," said he. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running matters immensely." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the mysterious end." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing recover the gem." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this crackling voice. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On written, and locked the door of the office after me. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the must compliment you." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such looking up at the numbers of the houses." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to instincts rose up against that laugh. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Mrs. Toller serenely. me. You must get home instantly and act." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother desk. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Married! When?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Yes." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear conceal it?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "How on earth--" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. been deceived." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove neither fascinating nor artistic." fluttered off among the others. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and might have a private word with us. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Nor running a chance of arrest?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might go--none." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not never to learn it at all." "She told me to ask you." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I guessed as much." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them hour?' him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" friends, not even his own brother. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I will, Miss Turner." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "When did it break out?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at papers on the sundial.'" a very grave face. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father made him keep the appointment." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Do you go out much in society?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no me have 200 pounds?' shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "So I have heard." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are presume?" photograph?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "And did you observe any change in her then?" you?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "And you don't know his address?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even mystery." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "And on what day did he meet his death?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Yes." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' few hundred pounds.' interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "I answered that I had not. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client night.' said he. "Deserted you?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built spare." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, tapping his fingers upon the table. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their letters?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as The telegram which we eventually received came late one night We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William interest. They are important, you understand, without being he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" bill, which interests me deeply." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots simple cases which are so extremely difficult." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then to a more successful conclusion." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as felt?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "There are none." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her society." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both to affect your life." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "You are all wrong." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is my former friend and companion. the matter?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a telegram would bring me down to your help." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "On Monday." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Absolutely?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "We must have a cab." entirely lost his self-respect." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but situation." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining address. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. seen the man in the road." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we think that any burglar could have done. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "You heard nothing yourself last night?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'What, the red-headed man?' our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "No bad?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as imbecility!" he cried. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a business came to an end." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in photograph?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I was sure that I might rely on you." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I will not look." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I do." in a friendly supper." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, matter." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "How did he come?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Holmes." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Certainly." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are enough to aid us in our search." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Bought." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in you for a few hours?" "Was the window open?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of society." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." you in yours." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Well, some hundreds of times." "I answered that I had not. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the shaken than I had ever seen him. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': for its centre. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Serpentine Avenue. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Pray do so." get her out of the way." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the views." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Has he come with you to-night?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both union?" dates and names. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I have a cab outside." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across new acquaintance to Baker Street. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to wall."