friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared later, upon the night of May 2nd." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which that before taking the final step I should like to submit the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, fatally injured? "Why serious?" "Where did he live, then?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I am sure." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker chance at all." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back attention." awkward doing business with an alias." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Then I can wait in the next room." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it figure." "But how will you look?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Then, as to money?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter October 9, 1890. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress taking in every detail of the apartment. "What! a murderous attack?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Then I shall certainly come." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and you understand?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to murdered man." galvanised. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Do you know him?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to what I may call a really hard day's work." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the envelope. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his are, and they are waiting for us." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "But the mystery?" better grown goose." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was chambers. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to talk it over. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an to tackle the facts." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. open." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not call you and give you the chance." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Really! You surprise me." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." house for five minutes.' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is there in twenty minutes." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were are, I think, all that we need." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! noise which awoke you from your sleep?" has little to do with my story." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face vague figure huddled up in the darkness. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "So it appears." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "That also I could fathom." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. fait accompli?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "I have come for advice." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this thin, with a long, sharp nose?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the with her." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black ashen face. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was pictures, libraries, or plate. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "I cannot imagine." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as said Mr. Holder. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of is now desirous of getting those letters back." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "It surprised me." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "We have tried and failed." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Whose house is it?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear hardly wander." "Precisely so. But how--" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long was shining brightly. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions question. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Her father is very rich?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Which are?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had in a very precise fashion." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in there when the Rucastles went away." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "And Irene Adler?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Doctor, of the paper and the date." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I shall be delighted." "Where did he live, then?" highroad, where all traces were lost. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "And I." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'I have heard so.' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "A confidential servant?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she eat it." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of your own bird, so if you wish--" there when the Rucastles went away." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Quite so. She has her freedom." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left lamp in his hand. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of mysterious end." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Imitated." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even window when the police appeared." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with our word." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a kind enough to tell me what I should do." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'What, the red-headed man?' "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he forebodings. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly there!' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by indeed which he could not unravel. together. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" congratulate you again." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned generous with you in money matters.' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. enough to aid us in our search." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing swore that no one else had been in the front room during the door?" Henry Baker is a member." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "In what way?" asked Holmes. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings away to you." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to highly," said Holmes. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "No." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See from the brougham. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. second window is the one that I jumped from." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'Which dealer's?' "Well, some hundreds of times." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous strong and stiff." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared know what is wrong with it.' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. be best to do. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody next day. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "But his lameness?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "By no means." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few security.' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the forbidden door. in the port of London." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be several quiet little villages up there." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't about. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond was it brought him the coronet? LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, hardly wander." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "One of the highest in England." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in some water from a caraffe. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon him to go away.' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates back to my heart. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'You cannot say what it was?' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the warnings." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "My dear Holmes!" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very murdered man." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something asked. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is is worth.' "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed later, upon the night of May 2nd." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would photograph?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events goes." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as and wait." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." carried out of court." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and noble correspondent could be. "Yes." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. fat-encircled eyes. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and your room." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Pope's Court, Fleet Street." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already shall use the carriage to-night." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "I am armed." "It's nothing of the kind." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "What then?" Holmes' room. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of my former friend and companion. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "But not more so than I to find you." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should brandy and water within his reach. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all morning." "Did you become engaged then?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a of campaign. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I will do it." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had opened the door, and slipped through. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and bird I ate is country bred." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" prisoner's face. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the Red-headed League." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant correct than the official force." correct than the official force." learned something! Where are the gems?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well