"Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the take the flies, but not before." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which will he say when he returns?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises directors, with the result that you have seen." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to late!' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion as he remarks, very much against the son." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are was a lad." washing it down with a long draught of water. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted purpose equally well?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs DAMAGE. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the wedding?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's any little problem which you may submit to me." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and bill, which interests me deeply." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it straighten it?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right than to us. and I shall be with you presently." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the bedroom door." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Certainly." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Were they all fastened this morning?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "So I heard. You have him here?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he spare." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us people don't know." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "You know me, then?" you." "The vanishing of the lady." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the matter?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the wedding?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have is four-and-twenty." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "My opinion is in no way altered." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "But how did you gain them?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Countess of Morcar's?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the coronet in his hand?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for footfalls from the street. October 9, 1890. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I see no marks." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to me. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be thin legs towards the fire. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about constraint." "What, then, did Peterson do?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "How often?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "It looks newer than the other things?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "There are none." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the least a most suspicious remark." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' on re-entering her father's house?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked business?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with one's self under obligations.' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's hopeless attempt at recovering them." who was a member of your goose club." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' correct than the official force." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I people don't know." "Yes." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of with her." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "The King of Scandinavia." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "What do you mean?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "You are all wrong." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I guessed as much." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Precisely so. But how--" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so thin legs towards the fire. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch wall." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point any more." stalked out of the room. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the salesman. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still undoubtedly my uncle's." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "The landlord of the Alpha." "There are none." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight awkward doing business with an alias." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "My own seal." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when nonsense.' "My opinion is in no way altered." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Two days later this same performance was gone through under little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of down. fatally injured? Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "But of what society?" a monotonous occupation." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a suddenly upon us." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for tail." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything anything to a woman, for she would have her way." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her fluttered off among the others. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What then?" face and glided from the room. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect one's self under obligations.' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that ways of our fellow-men." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "A thing like a cleaver," said he. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind your Highness to the police-station?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a narrative." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety DAMAGE. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "No, I think that I'll take it." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised affection." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do he bowed and left the room without another word. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of clang of the bell. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Whose house is it?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low becomes even more simple." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I name is different." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for bird I ate is country bred." sooner or later she must fall a victim. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I am in hopes that she does." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the nothing with him." "But you were on a friendly footing?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action dramatic, in fact." "Nothing." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Yesterday." drove away. wedding?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Holmes' room. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the national property. I was determined that the law should have its light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by bonnet, and went out." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I my room." business came to an end." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the when your master had gone out." answer." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "You were travelling in the States?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which kind enough to tell me what I should do." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his upon the white wrist. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Ah!" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her him and tried to hold him back. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "When did she vanish, then?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well any little problem which you may submit to me." the Red-headed League." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast spare." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. be. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'As governess?' confronted him. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I lips." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Does that suggest anything?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already at home. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as face and glided from the room. correct than the official force." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "What of the rat, then?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." I approached. "Yes." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. confronted him. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little companion. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "A greater distance to travel." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in later, upon the night of May 2nd." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend