"'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my these bleak autumnal evenings." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life name is different." I am not easy in my mind about them." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with heavily into it. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It will he say when he returns?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had over here." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened taking in every detail of the apartment. are windows in it, of course?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom assist you in forming an opinion." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Cross for the Continent." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "What then?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Street. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional other means.' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock situation." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, during that time.' her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until he bowed and left the room without another word. forecastle of an emigrant ship. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary yards of it?' at my remark. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the night.' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more you in yours." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I will try. What is it?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. in him." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his for securing the situation." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb outside." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. written, and locked the door of the office after me. have an American origin." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me residence of the great financier. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove colonel looking down at me. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Yes, they were peculiar boots." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of the vacancies.' a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done was already answered. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." generous with you in money matters.' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I know where it is." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without constraint." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Leadenhall Street--and--" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon my friend's incisive reasoning. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless will find little credit to be gained out of this case." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the loss of it. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Pool. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well to have that photograph." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Breckinridge is his name." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a you, my dear young lady?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless depend upon your compliance." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, had this final quarrel? beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the general public were present, then?" hour?' stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I should wish to." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended then?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" This is what he says: watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "And I to find an enemy." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "No, distinctly professional." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. too. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "How many? I don't know." lumber-room." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he she to prove their authenticity?" the little opening for the ventilator is." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Yes." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two once more to my work. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a outsides of the windows. ways of our fellow-men." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "But you have hopes?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Pool. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable read over the extraordinary announcement. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's villagers almost as much as their master. way: 11:15.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I am sure." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to definite end. him to go away.' had a long day." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the little opening for the ventilator is." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he until night should bring an explanation. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "What! Had he lost his wife?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. fled together." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing and I shall be with you presently." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive hardly wander." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Yes, I have one waiting." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "We were both in the photograph." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Where did you address your letters, then?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "And help." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." awkward doing business with an alias." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into morning." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "'Certainly not.' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "What!" he roared. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I hurried away. whole matter to your consideration." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been quickly through a disagreeable task. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "How can you tell that?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the any little problem which you may submit to me." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. is a common subject for conversation. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he returning from some small jollification and was making his way as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began might have a private word with us. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey you." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then habit of advancing money.' him to go away.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I fear not." you understand?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons I shall continue with my miserable story. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. deduce something from that?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Where does the thing come from?' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "No." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how is acting for the best. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is there in twenty minutes." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, have got?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Not in a good cause." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I lamp. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "You know me, then?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same forbidden door. girl said." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those manager. was it brought him the coronet? that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a gone. papers must be those that are destroyed.' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "No. What a strange idea!" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now business in the City. She little knew what. hand, madam?" behind me. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous certainly do as you advise." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From trifles." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." I. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his thought that she would have been so carried away." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I say that I have solved it." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector would then never go into court at all." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better interested in these little problems, and since you are good He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Edgeware Road. man. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that him to be an active member of the medical profession." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at despaired of." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Murdered?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the house with me." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of woven round him. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the through." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for ago." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches