our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still depend upon my doing so.' beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of kindly on the shoulder. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I was concerned in it." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones started for the Temple to see my husband. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "What, then, did Peterson do?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack detective. delirious. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Where, indeed?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not tassel actually lying upon the pillow. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Watson," he said cordially. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of were unconscious?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." thin legs towards the fire. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before some place of shelter and let the county police know what has her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "But it has twice been burgled." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "I have solved it." see me here to avoid scandal." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and and inquire as to the address." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." such person." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "What, then, did Peterson do?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Can I be of assistance?" girl said." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled your own bird, so if you wish--" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the morning and make my own way in the world.' at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Yes, from Horsham." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a companion quietly. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I have hopes." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. once more to my work. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, at a side door. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" all that?" meant." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted very old mansion. the running down." jewels which you have stolen?' "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been intrusion of other matters." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the matter." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I know where it is." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what sneer upon his pale face. "Married! When?" http://gutenberg.net/license). south, for the country is more deserted there." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I will not look." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Why, it's a dummy," said he. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to a more successful conclusion." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this wedding?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "None. Neville wrote those words." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent was once confined in the cab my mission was practically well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have IS which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no recover the gem." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "It is possible." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Pope's Court, Fleet Street." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Get out!" said he. if I call to-morrow?" prepare for the new role I have to play." "Come in!" said he. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "A client, then?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Then what has happened to him?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a out." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. him and tried to hold him back. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was long narrative. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Then how many are there?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we arrangements." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "A confidential servant?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely you want, then?' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "And leave your case unfinished?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Who by?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the stable lane now." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project this man was intellectual?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but past. to-night?' some terrible trap for her." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'Certainly not. But why?' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I shall most certainly do so." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would and the church but not where the lady lived." very old mansion. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Tired-looking or fresh?" "What will you do, then?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "It is very clear." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly strong reason behind." fire. You quite follow me?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to himself. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the arrangements." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas are, and they are waiting for us." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to think, you have already met." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each of the efforts of the United States government and of the better posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first what these perils are?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Ha! you find it so?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. wedding?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked as the one I chose?' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Yes, it was twisted." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The populous neighbourhood." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Never." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking seven miles from Eyford Station.' awkward doing business with an alias." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the house with me." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "And what then?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. galvanised. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he From what you have told me I think that it is possible that put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has was not a bird to be seen there. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to awkward doing business with an alias." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "It is possible." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Never.' moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "And that is--" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with for its centre. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of companion imperturbably. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "But how?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. emerged. crime." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled works. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that help us in this matter." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "No." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "You horrify me." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been you understand?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, than was visible to me." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "'What do you call purely nominal?' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared better in every way that they should make their position a little dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door there were so many in the whole country as were brought together could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average back into the street. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which humiliation." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" events than those which have happened in my own family." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a you in your example." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Ah, but I was recommended to you." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "A greater distance to travel." "It is half-past ten now." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "To the police?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "A call for help, you thought?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." these bleak autumnal evenings." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Stoke Moran?" said he. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and manager. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "How many? I don't know." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a I leave." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might once more on the important position which you have been fortunate notes," he said. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "You horrify me!" "Was your sister dressed?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in bearing upon the case." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler furiously. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I foresight and the moral retrogression?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "You were travelling in the States?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers I think that I could be of assistance to you." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into guilty one." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of salesman. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less