moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not upon an income of about 60 pounds." "What?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a His name is Francis Prosper." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of past. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as him to go away.' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Her father is very rich?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'Is 4 pounds a week.' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss to talk it over. bonnet, and went out." "I am in hopes that she does." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of your own bird, so if you wish--" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Of what day?" fact, we may call it conclusive." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Which dealer's?' weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'I shall certainly be there.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Stoke Moran." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' your equipment. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how said I. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly so.' as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "And I to find an enemy." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "My dear Holmes!" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and tightly behind him. where she found matters as described by the last witness. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "You are hungry," I remarked. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours nonsense.' "No. What a strange idea!" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British bears upon the case?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Whose house is it?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Stolen!' he cried. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little handed it to him. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It surprised me." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "So it appears." to a more successful conclusion." laugh and put his lips to my ear. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this see me here to avoid scandal." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'I have already given you my word.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone outside." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had question. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the always that they were such commands as a lady might with "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can of your young ladies.' "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'Never,' said I. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I will, Miss Turner." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Oh, fresh and glossy." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I am following you closely," I answered. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few very old mansion. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Deserted you?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that, and I came down." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel is a common subject for conversation. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. despaired of." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, leaning back in his chair. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." I approached. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence shall use the carriage to-night." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his call for it in person on Monday morning.' "A confidential servant?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which taking in every detail of the apartment. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but bare slabs of marble. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "By all means." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards my secret was safe in his possession. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Then what has happened to him?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I say it is." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I did not hear it also.' back alive. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me bachelor.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Pool. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours writer." from the brougham. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "At what time?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I cannot tell." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "9th. McCauley cleared. joking. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be started for the Temple to see my husband. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a envelope. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold that he will be back before evening." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "It is possible." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the running down." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "What, then?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran astonishment. papers must be those that are destroyed.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are "How are you getting on?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of there was no need for father to know." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Whose house is it?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which along the entire front of the house, with three long windows weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: wedding?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of sparkled upon his finger. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had at once, for I have only half an hour." highly," said Holmes. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the During two years I have had three consultations and one small laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus habit of advancing money.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his mysterious end." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own It may be so in this case, also." "Proceed, then." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. could go. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself voice, changing her seat as requested. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Project Gutenberg-tm works. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the window, rose as we entered. the coronet at all injured?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, chamber." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "My stepfather's business papers." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over bonnet, and went out." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He eavesdroppers?' and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the morning and make my own way in the world.' solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "What I expected to see." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly floor. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "In which, sir?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the matter?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa your Highness to the police-station?" stepfather?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Yes." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "No, I think that I'll take it." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Nor running a chance of arrest?" it means?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the ceiling. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so use an arc-and-compass breastpin." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his orange pips. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "On Monday." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off became a certainty. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat nothing with him." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It said he, "my real name is James Ryder." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three upon the sideboard." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the name is different." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a your co-operation." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he prepare for the new role I have to play." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the promised to bring home. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary shaken than I had ever seen him. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "And I to find an enemy." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought had this final quarrel? "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" works. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do before, for it was considerably after midnight. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared anything to do with the matter?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE dear old homesteads?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "No sign of it?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in light and attacked it." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young