why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm started for the Temple to see my husband. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," himself to tell his story. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and have one." Farm upon the left." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely nothing with him." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without foot. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest daring than any effort of the imagination." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it prepare for the new role I have to play." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first bears upon the case?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "This concluded the examination of the witness." to-night." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed it means?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Quite so. She has her freedom." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; to Leatherhead. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "'Very good.' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "My last client of the sort was a king." "Yes, but only for you and me." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was conclusions. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. weary and pale-looking. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "No bad?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Quite sure, dad.' the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would over here." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his sufficient punishment." putting in the horse. Does that suggest anything?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the bottom.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and heavy and sharp instrument." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I acted in my house last night?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the one as in the other." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." think, you have already met." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were 'please.'" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "No, thank goodness, she did not." hair?' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No leave you to your papers for a little." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, reach." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Texas, I think." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked client, rising. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered cigars in their mouths. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding posted to-day." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was closely." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his threw himself down with his face to the pillow. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock like that before?" bled considerably." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and glanced through. the south-west, I see." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'What would be the hours?' I asked. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand details should find their way into the papers. Inspector seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Well, but China?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by as noiselessly as she had come. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Yes, certainly." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm woman." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, call you and give you the chance." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported take the flies, but not before." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the For additional contact information: It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All to a more successful conclusion." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had in the port of London." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That presented which may be striking and bizarre without being to you." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were that he has suffered." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I cannot as yet see any connection." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning really the only notable feature about the thing." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. that, and I came down." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Certainly." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' would apply.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Lee, in the county of Kent." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "This photograph!" me. You must get home instantly and act." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the Red-headed League." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a when you have done it." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "It is no ordinary one." do.' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Do you go out much in society?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "How on earth--" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "And what then?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would them present such singular features as the strange train of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Where, then, is my wife?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "You don't mind breaking the law?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who respectable self." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and be. "But of what society?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me conceal it?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' question. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over in his power. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the over here." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and of receipt of the work. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a awaited us upon the table. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I again on its way. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain lips." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'A dozen yards or so.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "But what is it you wish?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Dark enough and sinister enough." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'I shall certainly be there.' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She means taking possession of that which another person has a prior James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I cannot think." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this these bleak autumnal evenings." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post of the vacancies.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' is now desirous of getting those letters back." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the side-table." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I least a fellow-countryman. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and kind enough to tell me what I should do." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' success. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Yes." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Really! You surprise me." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Yes, that is the Crown." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That which should have the effect of calling the attention of the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I say it is." in the dead of the night?' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and disappearance of these gems?" strength." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia completely overtopped every other consideration that we both They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of