"Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off I held the little printed slip to the light. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not morning." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he our word." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little three of the beryls in it, was missing. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. for the market.' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up presented which may be striking and bizarre without being with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Here?" up this clue while it is still hot." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an in his hands." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he of it with the greatest attention. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "I think it very unlikely." residence of the great financier. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in head. So long, then!" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you morning." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Farm upon the left." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "The King of Scandinavia." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "You think that he is dead?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the armchair which I pushed forward for him. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'There is a drive, then?' "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is points to suicide?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" The King stared at him in amazement. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and ourselves in the office." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of salesman. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "No, I had a dozen." this remarkable episode. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Chief Executive and Director got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the coronet at all injured?" money should be paid at once.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came in this note: me have 200 pounds?' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'You cannot say what it was?' "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the tragedy. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It is his hat." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only your equipment. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I papers must be those that are destroyed.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, pierced for earrings?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "No sign of it?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow chambers. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the nice household for a young lady." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the row." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very for its centre. fashion which was peculiar to him. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" foot. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, spare." 1.F. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco already referred to. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had stammered. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "It must be recovered." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "No bad?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and such attractions and accomplishments?' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, second window is the one that I jumped from." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to Leatherhead. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy present." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Entirely." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "That is also quite modern," said the lady. bare slabs of marble. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "And Miss Sutherland?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit as he folded up the epistle. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, case-book, which he consulted. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such peculiar to him. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification I am not easy in my mind about them." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "It is possible." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we hand, madam?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Then the page we have seen--" were unconscious?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Certainly, madam." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And that is--" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there is worth.' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed past. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." young Openshaw's." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we something of him before." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed observed. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all out of this horrible affair." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the inquest, and which are worth considering." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "What! a murderous attack?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let married her." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "You have carte blanche." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside past. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the night.' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I dramatic, in fact." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant future lives." States. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." there was no need for father to know." shall not find me ungrateful." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Holmes. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Nearly eleven." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little in him." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "How did you deduce the select?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting what do you think they found in the pockets?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious interests were the same as his." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Foundation "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Then you may entirely rely on me." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who morning." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is formed some opinion?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the I held the little printed slip to the light. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, hair?' someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Pray continue your narrative." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows daring than any effort of the imagination." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which death." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. one else, I think." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Come in!" said he. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique nothing of it?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might for and were ordered to this address. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his what is your own theory as to what took place?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And leave your case unfinished?" green of the new foliage. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "No. What a strange idea!" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, nonsense.' when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his again on its way. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as woven round him. like that before?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With ourselves in the office." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and effective." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. breakfast." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my straightened it out again. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open obstinate." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "If I can be of use." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Yes." business matters.' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Look there!" said he. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's she to prove their authenticity?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life bedroom door." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with some water from a caraffe. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all hair?' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Yes, all." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon you want, then?' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She morning." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Pray do so." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "That is it on the dressing-table." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Can I be of assistance?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And why?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "This photograph!" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I cannot as yet see any connection." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler to arrive at through this?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was not fit the lock." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "But of what society?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where one of them." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the devil!" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint over his head with a sweet womanly caress. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she tied." "A greater distance to travel." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I with the outside air!" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most