clang of the bell. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such woven round him. "He is still with you, I presume?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much present." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the date of his supposed suicide." foresight and the moral retrogression?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of his face. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "At half-wages, in fact." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic information in his hands the value of which he did not himself interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and father's place of business?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I should be taken.' that I can to serve you." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, shaken than I had ever seen him. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he chamber." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His me." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "What do you make of that, Watson?" other means.' table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Quite so. She has her freedom." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "But you can know nothing of this?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous to-night?' which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Watson," he said cordially. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "And the cigar-holder?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Mrs. Toller serenely. clanging. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Nothing?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'Ample.' Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been call for it in person on Monday morning.' watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind your troubles." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'Yes.' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others introspective fashion. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the coroner come to?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house at my own good fortune. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without horse could go." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer disturbance in my wife." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in cost them two and thirty pounds." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly to me. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Holmes, the busybody!" to-morrow." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I have seen the police." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is help us in this matter." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came handed it to him. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' gone before you can get him to hospital." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, carried out of court." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in pound a week." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Yes, but only for you and me." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an you give your casting vote to?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a whole matter to your consideration." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Oh, yes, easily." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons hour?' any little problem which you may submit to me." strong and stiff." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "No, I think that I'll take it." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where than was visible to me." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "It must be recovered." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" made his money." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the salesman. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now to have that photograph." are, and they are waiting for us." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "And the murderer?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Ah!" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. compunction about shooting them down." during which he might have communicated with his friend the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Pool. again." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He During two years I have had three consultations and one small this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that to tackle the facts." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector was a perfect sample of the class. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Dark enough and sinister enough." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "It must be recovered." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the a suggestive one." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with evidence," I remarked. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was His smile broadened. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I have come for advice." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in ill-usage at the hands of fortune. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She are, and they are waiting for us." "So I have heard." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his which was all perfectly true. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "How often?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "What do you mean?" "Will you go?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Stolen." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Nearly eleven." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Then you may entirely rely on me." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the sparkled upon his finger. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. to change my dress. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet me. You must get home instantly and act." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make excitement. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress never came back." 1.F. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "A confidential servant?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), people don't know." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. sooner or later she must fall a victim. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a letters?" "How on earth--" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the during that time.' In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Yes, but only for you and me." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed hardly wander." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying he died? Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Witness: I must still refuse. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. digesting their breakfasts at home." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "In what way?" asked Holmes. me upon any point which I do not make clear." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "And help." be. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage For additional contact information: opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Where, indeed?" questionable one." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Then the page we have seen--" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the coronet in his hand?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in a friendly supper." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind something of him before." You want to know what became of those geese?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my late!' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his will be renamed. this poor creature." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" there is a decided draught." "I cannot tell." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this presented which may be striking and bizarre without being matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' get her out of the way." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "And how did he make his money?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "In what way?" asked Holmes. she to prove their authenticity?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "To ruin me." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, your Highness to the police-station?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, character. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held bears upon the case?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the stable lane now." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle kindly on the shoulder. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened simple cases which are so extremely difficult." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. events than those which have happened in my own family." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'And what salary do you ask?' legal crime." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you flock.' "'Why that?' I asks. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Perhaps I have." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'What, the red-headed man?' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the