"'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. friend's singular character. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very strength of mind to control. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I approached. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in companion. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these even of instruction." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his in this note: paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police and the colonel ushered me in. "I cannot imagine." "Did he not advertise?" lamp in his hand. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over a very grave face. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to child?' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or coroner's jury." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Precisely." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "It is possible." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after third from London." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some went to the Alpha were town bred." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Where, then?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I have solved it." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she have I gained?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Henry Baker is a member." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of in a very precise fashion." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a that, and I came down." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and this truth that in these little records of our cases which you The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him answer." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I am in hopes that she does." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the stepfather?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took signal between you and your father? my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I would pay ten." "It is half-past ten now." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "In the cells." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are clanging. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both bell. Holmes whistled. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Was she in good spirits?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Not particularly." "Witness: I must still refuse. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Then what has happened to him?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, careless servant girl?" "My opinion is in no way altered." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "The doctor?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very you." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by there in twenty minutes." imbecility!" he cried. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "But who is he?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. in the dead of the night?' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who fashion which was peculiar to him. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Does that suggest anything?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both golden eyeglasses. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered success. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "My own seal." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "How did you deduce the select?" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this questioning and rather startled gaze. the Red-headed League." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary side. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round at a side door. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But nonsense.' will he say when he returns?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Was he the only applicant?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which himself. heavily into it. knowledge of the world." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to Leatherhead. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons what is your own theory as to what took place?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from it." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Ten will be early enough." "Yes." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Very. But will he see it?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "So I am. Very much so." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime down from London to inquire more deeply into it." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "You have compromised yourself seriously." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Then I am your man." visitors." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the you." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "It was." "How do you know, then?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "You have it, sir, just as it happened." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Heh?' alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'Yes, sir.' "What have you done?" asked Holmes. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Certainly." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and newspaper selections." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Absolutely?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with to-morrow." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really which we had just quitted. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "What then?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying chance at all." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated goes." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "My stepfather's business papers." bird I ate is country bred." Holmes rather sternly. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction my special province." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found good-night and bustled off upon her way. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how other means.' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' make me his representative both with the servants and with the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit again on its way. together. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I am armed." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and vanished into the darkness. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'I have heard so.' brandy and water within his reach. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his stammered. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination light and attacked it." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "What! You do not mean bodies?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a instituted." "And for present expenses?" "And how did you verify them?" take the flies, but not before." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Yesterday." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. any." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a was shining brightly. "Well, some hundreds of times." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Nothing?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Proceed, then." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'You cannot say what it was?' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise his face. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "It looks newer than the other things?" you in yours." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect is now desirous of getting those letters back." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This sneer upon his pale face. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour telegram would bring me down to your help." "In heaven's name, what for?" "Then the page we have seen--" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," hour." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and me where it went to?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "And help." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds is four-and-twenty." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark You want to know what became of those geese?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to memory. and your relations to her." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Well." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still goes." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Why, what do you mean?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'It is locked up,' I answered. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Henry Baker is a member." all?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass face and glided from the room. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "By no means." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Then you may entirely rely on me." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." straighten it?" was a loud and authoritative tap. bird of prey. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "From his hat?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'And the work?' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were From what you have told me I think that it is possible that whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Entirely." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to you, my dear young lady?' presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until electronic works "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the