wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Yes, sir." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Precisely." telegram would bring me down to your help." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I do." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your it? Did I buy the geese off you?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open as he folded up the epistle. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Project Gutenberg-tm works. this unhappy family?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon again." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Where, then?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Yes, but only for you and me." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "You have but to name it." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." if she died from some sudden fright." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when strange features which were associated with the two crimes which over part of the map. "What do you read?" Serpentine Avenue. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. must be when I saw the door open.' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and ran thus: you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with legal crime." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which before the coroner and the police-court." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put stalked out of the room. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour noting anything else of interest. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was a room. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, http://gutenberg.net/license). but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it question," said Holmes, smiling. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his of the one which your family is now devouring." very morning of my second wedding." wedding?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Game for a morning drive?" on re-entering her father's house?" to-morrow." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "No sign of it?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I answered that I had not. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a fat-encircled eyes. "No, finished." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the coronet in his hands?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will me, and I could not think that his explanation of the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my case before our client came into the room." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the bed, and you in that chair." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way III. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia over part of the map. "What do you read?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Witness: Nothing definite. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "We have tried and failed." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." with the outside air!" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my it means?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down and have this put in the evening papers." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Mary, has deserted me." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no investigation." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "On your arm?" "Yes." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke front of the hall door has given its name to the place. hands. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the front of me. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of extraordinary contortions. "Ten will be early enough." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "That was it, sir." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "That is it on the dressing-table." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "The vanishing of the lady." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. money should be paid at once.' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Was there a secret marriage?" best detective that ever lived. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "That you are never beaten." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of purpose of examination. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, door?" touch that coronet?' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank the night.' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City infinite languor in his face. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the very morning of the wedding." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax retorted upon me, and I on you." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I guessed as much." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Well." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "There are none." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been father's place of business?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" clang of the bell. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "To an end?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the child." "And you thought he was pulled back?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Was she in good spirits?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter vault. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "But I am all in the dark." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to charged with?" "Look there!" said he. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful she slowly sank and died without having recovered her ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set fear." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my other means.' companion. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be again, where I was soon asleep. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced dead, shall be safe with us." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "That is easily got." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Certainly." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been is," said he presently: on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the devil!" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Certainly, madam." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up were unconscious?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall one of the states of the Union." "In San Francisco, a year ago." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were forebodings. time." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Then, as to money?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and union?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Really! You surprise me." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her you." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how narrative." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "A thing like a cleaver," said he. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have south, for the country is more deserted there." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" ventilator." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me there when the Rucastles went away." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "A greater distance to travel." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of some city in a dream. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I fear not." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he address. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small will not take me long to tell. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the question," said Holmes, smiling. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Perfectly so." "And you thought he was pulled back?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "My private note-paper." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish one of the states of the Union." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Ample." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have outside. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I will get her to show me." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece unprecedented a position." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to surprise her." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" to-morrow." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "We were both in the photograph." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. there!' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at door?" persecution?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "And how did he make his money?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little and glanced through. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a seem to you to be relevant or not." "One of his hands." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have all-comprehensive glances. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I pierced for earrings?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "What will you do, then?" "Then I shall certainly come." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from his fortune, and I went back to pa. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I in. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "And your mother is alive?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "No more words. Get out!" Chief Executive and Director his forehead." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have your co-operation." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a