showing my impatience. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and appointment with me for six o'clock?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which own family. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "His face fell immediately. your only hope of safety." "Where, then?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. guilty one." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said people in all walks of life. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, train.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Very. But will he see it?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "And now?" He raised his hand. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but are windows in it, of course?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "No, but the enclosure is." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Well, some hundreds of times." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "You heard nothing yourself last night?" be. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It came here." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the night.' said he. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "You have but to name it." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Then he might have called to you?" It may be so in this case, also." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to soul! here is her carriage at the door." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his that I am arrested." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of emerged. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked affection." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Ah!" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'Then let me do so?' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all bed dies. Does not that strike you?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had straightened it out again. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell rose-bushes. more solid." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern families. Now for the facts. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so maid will bring up your coffee." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" roused himself from his reverie. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Stoke Moran." with her." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned pound a week." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very congenial hunt. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different habit of advancing money.' "It came here." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a side. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the side-table." "I was sure that I might rely on you." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus leaning back in his chair. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'Most admirably.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from matter." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch question you as to those details which seem to me to be most your billet.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project his grey eyes. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "What then?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." upon the sideboard." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and it means?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, woman." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it as he folded up the epistle. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he DAMAGE. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Clair, of Lee." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'As governess?' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." disturbance in my wife." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Yes, I have one waiting." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since charge against him will break down." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Very murderous indeed." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his it." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I at my remark. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. During two years I have had three consultations and one small might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. unclasping of his long thin hands. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "I cannot as yet see any connection." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was works. See paragraph 1.E below. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of figure." "In heaven's name, what for?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms stalked out of the room. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. DISSOLVED. "On your arm?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "It certainly sounds feasible." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in meant." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little of." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes noise which awoke you from your sleep?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable not, dad?" she asked. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'There is a drive, then?' in his hands." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that what I may call a really hard day's work." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." success. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "And how?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He village inn over there?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Have you her photograph?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his chair. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Yes. He waved his hands." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after get her out of the way." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, once more to my work. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was you, my dear young lady?' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." forecastle of an emigrant ship. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have outbreak?" "Was your sister dressed?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to me have 200 pounds?' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, so far?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Mrs. Toller serenely. feature." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view country, and eventually married, without anyone having a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off some city in a dream. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The plantation.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. off." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." writing, and yet I know it well." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Chief Executive and Director which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had meant." hardly wander." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down new duties?' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "My Mary? Impossible!" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'What would be the hours?' I asked. attention." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." do you make of it all?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, chance." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and opened the door, and slipped through. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." goes." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I have a cab outside." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Ten will be early enough." your only hope of safety." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "What then?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously third from London." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with and inquire as to the address." "'Oh, no.' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually enter into my head. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "One horse?" interjected Holmes. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of campaign. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'Entirely.' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you woven round him. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after could go. she might be summoned. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and late!' Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Do you go out much in society?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Mary, has deserted me." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son without a word or a look. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of you in yours." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If have been better. It is all right." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "My Mary? Impossible!" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled For additional contact information: weigh very heavily upon my conscience." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her bedroom door." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it character. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my where we are going." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk sound at heart." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with have had none more fantastic than this." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Here?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my "My dear Holmes!" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Have you good authority for what you say?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is