"Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all meant it for the best. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, upon the sideboard." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "In answer to an advertisement." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Was he the only applicant?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of flock.' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was always that they were such commands as a lady might with accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a disturbance in my wife." there is a decided draught." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to throat." "Precisely." crime. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly unkempt, staring out at me. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and bird I ate is country bred." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in singular points about the case. What did the police think of the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a touch that coronet?' How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper wife's character?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness unkempt, staring out at me. case-book, which he consulted. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have he died? humiliation." "Frequently." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot records." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an to go into your room and bar your shutters?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit true." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "In the cells." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when have established a very serious case against the son of the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could about. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case unprecedented a position." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding bonnet, and went out." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective case before our client came into the room." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Murdered?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to to arrive at through this?" heavily into it. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. where we are going." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "That is easily got." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the stones. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "So I heard. You have him here?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at telegram would bring me down to your help." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the you came in." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "None." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at indeed happy." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, in a friendly supper." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I never have." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and weighed down with some great anxiety. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little seem to you to be relevant or not." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor know all about it," he snarled. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Countess of Morcar's?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the shaken than I had ever seen him. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Imitated." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "What office?" second window is the one that I jumped from." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project written, and locked the door of the office after me. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. was not a bird to be seen there. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the one as in the other." be.' beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital danger is over." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always a monotonous occupation." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and there was no need for father to know." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out eavesdroppers?' it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises writers could invent nothing more crude." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'As governess?' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "It's nothing of the kind." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "None." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "It is possible." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "You think so, too?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of hand, madam?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "What is it, then--a fire?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after which are rolled in Rotterdam." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old of." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the you." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside seven miles from Eyford Station.' in a friendly supper." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being into the bag, and made for the door. felt the room to be a little close.' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing people don't know." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' quick march!" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, man. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "None." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but door?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she have not had my rubber." "'Never.' character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes one which it was hard to resist. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my do you make of it all?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "By all means." question. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." 'please.'" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an it." "Yes, from Horsham." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my His smile broadened. "No legal papers or certificates?" and glanced through. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on you came in." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Holmes." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Who was the criminal, then?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the chance at all." Farm upon the left." joking. call you and give you the chance." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we closing the door. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," was lame." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I an introduction to him?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "In the cells." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad that he will be back before evening." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Yes, the wine-cellar." late!' "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a other lovers by making love himself." "How often?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed carried out of court." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "I cannot think." both be extremely obliged.' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, papers on the sundial.'" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'Oh, no.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble one of the states of the Union." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him fuss that is made over them." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Absolutely?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Witness: Nothing definite. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug guilty one." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the date of his supposed suicide." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could annoyance, but no jest. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own some mystery and the punishment of some crime." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and that?' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I will do it." Mrs. Toller serenely. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that voice. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Nothing." "And your father? Did you tell him?" excitement. "What, then?" over here." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "You horrify me." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we woman." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all be sorry for having acted so harshly." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "But you would not advise me to refuse?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I shall be delighted." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that good for you to do.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the house with me." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last test if we have an answer to our advertisement." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and