a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "He is still with you, I presume?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "No good news?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'How far from the body?' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It looks newer than the other things?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but was lame." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the coronet in his hand?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. green of the new foliage. examine." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." friends, not even his own brother. "The landlord of the Alpha." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "My Mary? Impossible!" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay without a word or a look. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and way: superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can mysterious end." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both to a more successful conclusion." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "VIOLET HUNTER." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "By no means." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "I will not look." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I don't believe it." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "He slept on the premises." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I cannot as yet see any connection." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You new acquaintance to Baker Street. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a that he will be back before evening." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. developed." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all residence of the great financier. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "No, I think that I'll take it." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at national property. I was determined that the law should have its much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Frequently." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with there is a decided draught." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock about here speaks of his kindness to him." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'Yes, I promise.' "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Deserted you?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Nor running a chance of arrest?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "You horrify me!" wife's character?" figure." the coronet in his hand?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said was keenly on my guard against him. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Yes, sir." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." occurred." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. where we are going." "Married! When?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Then he might have called to you?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, be. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Holmes rather sternly. "Deserted you?" affection." indeed which he could not unravel. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Yes, sir." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" delighted to hear it," he said. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or be best to do. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having lips." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a you?' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in rooms." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the so-precious time, but come!' "In heaven's name, what for?" mystery." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, depend upon my doing so.' "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Street. affair. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is manager. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate fat-encircled eyes. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to his eyes and forehead. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said he. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "You are hungry," I remarked. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have him!" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if writers could invent nothing more crude." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a three fields round his house, and there he would take his "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your detained." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Sutherland. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as in his power. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney mystery." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able into the room. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Dirty?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you advice." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were instituted." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend beg that you will break it off." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I was concerned in it." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as arrested. You then--" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I in this note: array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Ah!" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH was a loud and authoritative tap. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Then I can wait in the next room." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Where did he live, then?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "He might." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "'Yes, it was gone.' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch placed his cuttings. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Eh? What was that?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a gentleman's clothes. against a man in the prime of life?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked presented more singular features than that which was associated had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that man. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how in his hands." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Witness: I must still refuse. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously tension within him. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in this note: in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of upon the white wrist. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the for its centre. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had what I may call a really hard day's work." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "In answer to an advertisement." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "'Yes, sir.' pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No. His orders were to stay in the house." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have I gained?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'Yes, I promise.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," just called myself is not exactly my own." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, his cane at the bell-pull. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, he died? fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." nonsense.' "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I promised to bring home. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'I have already given you my word.' fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "No, my brougham is waiting." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, neither fascinating nor artistic." you in yours." again, where I was soon asleep. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon of this gang." "Yes, the wine-cellar." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I will try. What is it?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I see no marks." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried It may be so in this case, also." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "You have carte blanche." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf your room." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and throat." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "But you have hopes?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'Where to?' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the client, rising. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'Is 4 pounds a week.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, affair. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Have you it here?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at charged with?"