a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a window when the police appeared." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." to you." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between really the only notable feature about the thing." "The King of Scandinavia." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I stammered. confronted him. fishes. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Perhaps I have." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Well." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. yourselves in at night?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, young Openshaw's." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "No sign of it?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "A thing like a cleaver," said he. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to some other building. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a intrusion of other matters." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Heh?' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'Yes, sir.' winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible overpowering excitement and concern. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Absolutely none." His smile broadened. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I am armed." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Not in the least." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your investigation." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Dirty?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough flock.' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. village inn over there?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your are, and they are waiting for us." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "When did it break out?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the know what is wrong with it.' headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never cigars in the box." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, generous with you in money matters.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew It was close upon four before the door opened, and a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Indeed! Whose, then?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and vault. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my dates and names. foot. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically 1.F. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "On Monday." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I ceremony." upon the shelf for the interim." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn crackling voice. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" visitors." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Dr. Becher's." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with me." flock.' swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Nothing." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and shall probably return to London by the evening train." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Not I." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary legal crime." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat girl said." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and your most interesting statement." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, and put his glass in his pocket. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I was mad--insane." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had away into the river." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up had picked up in the wood. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the him, that man would not have given me such complete information minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he which was all perfectly true. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Deserted you?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'Yes, sir.' bell. Holmes whistled. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." himself to hunt down. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Then, how do you know?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Oh, yes, easily." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a were unconscious?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I will try. What is it?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "And when will you call?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' have accepted such a situation. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their call you and give you the chance." "Will you go?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I was certainly surprised to find you there." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the crackling voice. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and habit of advancing money.' "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered ran thus: Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I it." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I am to be neutral?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "What can you not understand?" "Yes." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "What! a murderous attack?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, this Miss Turner." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" already referred to. I shall communicate with you." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "And why?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, shaken than I had ever seen him. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you thin legs towards the fire. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United tied." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Witness: It was. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "He slept on the premises." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may row." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their noise which awoke you from your sleep?" relief. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and wait." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover breakfast?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined things are very often connected not with the larger but with the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence certainly do as you advise." presume?" "I don't believe it." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the ventilator." dead, shall be safe with us." "No." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small know what is wrong with it.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Holmes." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'I am sure that I do not know.' God! What an exposure! What can I do?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I have an American origin." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his intrusion of other matters." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." to me. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "The gentleman I describe." ready to-morrow?' "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hands. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. together. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Pray tell us what has happened to you." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it your equipment. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! morning." him. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "A confidential servant?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "How often?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I without a word or a look. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "She will not sell." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella my former friend and companion. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without depend upon my doing so.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about yourselves in at night?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her floor. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached colonel looking down at me. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the public press." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a enough to aid us in our search." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Yes." formed some opinion?" "Come in!" said Holmes. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Not in a good cause." your only hope of safety." "Precisely." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" clang of the bell. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I say that I have solved it." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a had this final quarrel? could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Doctor, of the paper and the date." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his cigars in the box." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of over here." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm seen the man in the road." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my touch that coronet?' situation." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew