the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "I have a cab outside." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom case before our client came into the room." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in occurred." results." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little key turn in the lock." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative strong and stiff." business." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I this remarkable episode. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for second." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "No." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and character. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Eh? What was that?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "No, I had a dozen." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I should like to see him very much." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge arms and began to sob in a high treble key. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "None. Neville wrote those words." learned something! Where are the gems?" McCarthy." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of wedding?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Where, then?" of them has the shutters up.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "What then?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Where, then?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came into the bag, and made for the door. into the bag, and made for the door. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Perhaps we may make them less so." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a had died away into the silence from which it rose. province." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I see no marks." occurred." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. get her out of the way." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from sentimental considerations in the background which would induce caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened gone. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to she to prove their authenticity?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "What!" he roared. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Chief Executive and Director "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'What would be the hours?' I asked. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a infinite languor in his face. to change my dress. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "None." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire door?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When question," said Holmes, smiling. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the case before our client came into the room." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Certainly not.' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would make me his representative both with the servants and with the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." charged with?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Certainly." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong only touch the interest." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "That sounds a little paradoxical." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am awkward doing business with an alias." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the strong and stiff." his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'How far from the body?' "Ah!" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Precisely so. But how--" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The my room." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, highroad, where all traces were lost. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "I know where it is." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day behind me. "What are they?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which sufficient punishment." it with his own hands." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Yes." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, and looked back. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather that you saw all that I did." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "She walked into the breakfast-room." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm out of this horrible affair." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if wife's character?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the wanted for ourselves." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the you." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Where could I find him?' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was people don't know." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit companion. and that he would see to anything that turned up. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the best of training." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "There is the writing." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the fat-encircled eyes. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is problems help me to do so." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "So I am. Very much so." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in place, I think that there is good ground to think that the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Tired-looking or fresh?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not at home. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a paper in the air. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "About a month then." with you?" politicians who had been sent down from the North. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Yes, certainly." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in you." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'You cannot say what it was?' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "'Never,' said I. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "But you would not advise me to refuse?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, against a man in the prime of life?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'A dozen yards or so.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "No legal papers or certificates?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that me. You must get home instantly and act." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "That sounds a little paradoxical." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Stolen." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon fatally injured? present." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "By train from Waterloo." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "When did it break out?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the night.' gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I know where it is." "And leave your case unfinished?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the words came to my lips. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come if she died from some sudden fright." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Holmes' face clouded over. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "She walked into the breakfast-room." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the opportunities to fix the problem. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I am in hopes that she does." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really pound a week." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Yes." to that open window." "But how did you gain them?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' and laid it on the table. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. that he has suffered." "That you are never beaten." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. page at http://pglaf.org as he folded up the epistle. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and fashion which was peculiar to him. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Cross for the Continent." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from fat-encircled eyes. that he will be back before evening." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Heh?' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the nights." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened main points of my analysis." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked asked. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." rooms." figure." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us the window, rose as we entered. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A fat-encircled eyes. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and or other trace. But how on earth--" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in on re-entering her father's house?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Come in!" said Holmes. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "And why?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I