have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "No." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the joking. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. case before our client came into the room." third from London." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether my room." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "And it is--" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to at a side door. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." behind me. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I have seen the police." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried official police." dramatic, in fact." mystery." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, cause to be." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That more terrible than the truth. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Yes, that is the Crown." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Breckinridge is his name." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Absolutely none." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this hour?' http://www.gutenberg.net near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Yes, I have one waiting." trifles." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, fuss that is made over them." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a not fit the lock." "Proceed, then." "Stoke Moran?" said he. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and his face. had picked up in the wood. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." to have been novel and of interest." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and the church but not where the lady lived." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I some water from a caraffe. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." was lame." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look to miss it." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I have seen the police." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after for securing the situation." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an if only as a check to my own memory." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the nursery. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building thin, with a long, sharp nose?" where we are going." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. you?" next day. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the night.' held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. place no limit on the sum I may draw." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to page at http://pglaf.org us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "The best possible." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "And how did he make his money?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Was the window open?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am 1.F. him nearly every evening." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "How did that help you?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask he bowed and left the room without another word. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed conclusions. Farm upon the left." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you and wait." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth will he say when he returns?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was maid will bring up your coffee." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do II. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into results." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair retorted upon me, and I on you." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "I was mad--insane." "By no means." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" think that any burglar could have done. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "No, I am descending." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get your equipment. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better until night should bring an explanation. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "And why?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'Certainly not. But why?' late." and effective." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and events, Mr. Windibank!" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "It came here." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to this man was intellectual?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, opportunities to fix the problem. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he train.' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in himself to tell his story. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Yes, from Horsham." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though chemical work which was so dear to him. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "And what then?" thought that she would have been so carried away." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very go back?" "I came to find a friend." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he you want, then?' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "But she will refuse." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "A thing like a cleaver," said he. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Why did you beat the pavement?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. all?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew noting anything else of interest. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the coroner come to?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "And Miss Sutherland?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note your billet.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and way: bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a I have it here in my museum." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "She showed me, as I told you she would." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "And how?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and a shock of very red hair. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right me what he had done with the three missing stones. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master union?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'Is 4 pounds a week.' DAMAGE. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for definite end. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." together. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "I am armed." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "My photograph." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the nothing with him." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, character. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'I am sure if I had known--' "An accident, I presume?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he page at http://pglaf.org "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible of them has the shutters up.' centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Did your wife hear all this?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would business came to an end." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "And what then?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "What can it mean?" I gasped. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "You think so, too?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Certainly." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, been with you?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering in the dead of the night?' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the guilty parties." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, neither fascinating nor artistic." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous followed. http://www.gutenberg.net window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words is worth.' predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "So I heard. You have him here?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it your billet.' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it ran thus: tell him that I know him to be innocent." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on promised to bring home. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." breakfast." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Well?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting hereditary King of Bohemia." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came know that the truth is known." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Pool. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the is worth.' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "No, my brougham is waiting." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can trifles." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I carriage. It was a chestnut." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the fasten all the windows?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is jewels which you have stolen?' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler lamp. them?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was into the room. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his she slowly sank and died without having recovered her have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'What, the red-headed man?' room?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town