doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a gone. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Doctor, of the paper and the date." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "And why?" the tragedy. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation maiden herself was most instructive." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot call you and give you the chance." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what main points of my analysis." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "And how did you verify them?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that, and I came down." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic trifles." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of affection." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it if only as a check to my own memory." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. with you alone." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four closing the door. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to disappearance of the bride.'" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we head. So long, then!" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. go back?" been with you?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I foresight and the moral retrogression?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of not personally threatened." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious like that before?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you strange features which were associated with the two crimes which sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a bearing upon the case." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings brandy and water within his reach. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and outbreak?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "To the police?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "What?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot You can understand that this register and diary may implicate I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush to-night?' especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. go--none." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "What then?" his knees, staring into the fire. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had better in every way that they should make their position a little "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. forbidden door. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in key of the affair now." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought if she died from some sudden fright." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to that open window." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Then, how do you know?" not personally threatened." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." for its centre. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now character. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that my room." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Street. was not a bird to be seen there. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Well, some hundreds of times." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. look dissatisfied." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of sufficient punishment." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. was shining brightly. nonsense.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought one which it was hard to resist. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "And what did you see?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the child?' "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet suspect him." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." used to be." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a grasp, he hurried from the room. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin wife's character?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing shaken than I had ever seen him. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" do.' "My dear Holmes!" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "But you were on a friendly footing?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting must compliment you." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Not in the least." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch out." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. article?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Now, then, what's the last entry?" you in your example." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Cross for the Continent." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "It looks newer than the other things?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the inquest, and which are worth considering." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "What then?" have established a very serious case against the son of the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of words came to my lips. "He said that you could solve anything." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Yes." our word." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the room while you explain this matter?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest him and tried to hold him back. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which what these perils are?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I remarked. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had man. I know him from the photograph." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of to his chemical studies. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an vague figure huddled up in the darkness. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face chemical work which was so dear to him. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the bottom.' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "He slept on the premises." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the date of his supposed suicide." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to helping a boy to put up the shutters. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" here and I will read it to you: But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had of fine shops and stately business premises that they really comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." ashen face. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Certainly." morning." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "It may not come to that," said Holmes. tightly behind him. "Was the window open?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open night.' said he. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my key turn in the lock." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged good for you to do.' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so congenial hunt. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Very. But will he see it?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be me. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to six. Come in!" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and standing smiling on the door-step. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Why serious?" "Murdered?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching husband's writing, madam." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "One of his hands." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Who by?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which of the vacancies.' and no precautions can guard against." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'Yes, I promise.' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Foundation and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little approach us with offers to donate. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'What do you call purely nominal?' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. one of the states of the Union." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of unprecedented a position." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the tell me that you intended to go into harness." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but to change my dress. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to it means?" in the dead of the night?' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "We were both in the photograph." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Leadenhall Street--and--" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project