"It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the child." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless conversation I have gathered that they have been married about consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "You did not overhear what they said?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." fatally injured? "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated shoulder. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "You did not overhear what they said?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she notes," he said. who was a member of your goose club." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he business came to an end." there has been an enclosure here!" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, conduct the inquiry." will not take me long to tell. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I have come for advice." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It is possible." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing breakfast and whispered something to her husband. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Could he throw no light?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Did you observe the colour?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this nice household for a young lady." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "He might." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the bird of prey. himself. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Dirty?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "No, I had a dozen." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture recover the gem." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you chance." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Yes." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other said he at last. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was bird of prey. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well me." will be renamed. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong whole matter to your consideration." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "VIOLET HUNTER." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of go back?" "You know me, then?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Here?" himself. you do it in twenty minutes!' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "I should be immensely obliged to you." written, and locked the door of the office after me. pictures, libraries, or plate. status with the IRS. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of Fenchurch Street." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "And Irene Adler?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'Quite sure, dad.' he. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me me. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" jewels which you have stolen?' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "And your mother is alive?" "The Cedars?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate late." here and I will read it to you: "And how have you succeeded?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were past. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she salesman. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that been able to understand it, in a very few words. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" six. Come in!" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to father's young wife. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the what is your own theory as to what took place?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "May I see it?" was already answered. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Watson," he said cordially. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do friend's singular character. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing compunction about shooting them down." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. This is what he says: foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Surrey." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the pound a week." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of any." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he writing, and yet I know it well." Edgeware Road. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was particular state visit http://pglaf.org and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It daring than any effort of the imagination." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Where, indeed?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Ah!" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I cannot think." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and no precautions can guard against." bell. Holmes whistled. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do shall use the carriage to-night." province." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which maid will bring up your coffee." "This concluded the examination of the witness." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Who was the criminal, then?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was infinite languor in his face. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of companion. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at promised to bring home. individual and becomes the badge of a society." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the it. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Yes." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "It certainly sounds feasible." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most been shamefully used." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" unclasping of his long thin hands. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "ARAT," I read. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the had formerly been in part my own. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "What then?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the have not had my rubber." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our daring than any effort of the imagination." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' third from London." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered you." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question The summons was a brief and urgent one. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left burst out into a roar of laughter. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as his cane at the bell-pull. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a new acquaintance to Baker Street. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away at home. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that me. You must get home instantly and act." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing think that any burglar could have done. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my is worth.' but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "What are they?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains closing the door. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. other means.' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "In heaven's name, what for?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have plantation.' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Edgeware Road. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. was shining brightly. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Game for a morning drive?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting I nodded again. "Her father is very rich?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Precisely." families. Now for the facts. "On the contrary, this is the right side." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want charge against him will break down." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Certainly." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, should be so warm over such a trifle." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was fish-monger and a tide-waiter." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star."