through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled delirious. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "No." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens was the fact that his father should, according to his account, McCarthy." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to-night?' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" States. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My himself to tell his story. your equipment. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "I see no marks." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, upon an income of about 60 pounds." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an prison!" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "But we can't all be." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with The King stared at him in amazement. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Lestrade of Scotland Yard." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her used to be." if she died from some sudden fright." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently that threaten you." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he gone before you can get him to hospital." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. appeal." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Foundation hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "But the mystery?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the bedroom door." "'Is purely nominal.' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and not, dad?" she asked. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Was she in good spirits?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and all of them with the keenest interest. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the bell. Holmes whistled. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "I say that I have solved it." you for a few hours?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Your sister is dead, then?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "VIOLET HUNTER." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." John Swain, of St. Augustine. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it certainly not very gracious." I. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the jewels which you have stolen?' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Upon what point?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was chill to my heart. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It came here." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons forecastle of an emigrant ship. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "But what will you do?" "Do you go out much in society?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "And how did he make his money?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, crime." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through for its centre. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear heavy and sharp instrument." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of dramatic, in fact." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "And how in the world did you find them?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "'A dozen yards or so.' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Nothing?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "No." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free since then to throw any light upon what became of him." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the chill to my heart. "Yes, at the mines." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." to arrive at through this?" this poor creature." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be overpowering excitement and concern. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to highly," said Holmes. "Never." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered orange pips. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round possible that we could bring him back to her? "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were in one or two places in England?' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Perhaps I have." the coronet in his hand?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds introspective fashion. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Where, then?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Lee, in the county of Kent." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'What are you doing there?' he asked. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Have you good authority for what you say?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Yes." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it you." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'In my own bureau.' 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Yes." room had already been engaged for us. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Yes." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out you." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were what is your own theory as to what took place?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is His name is Francis Prosper." hour?' of the one which your family is now devouring." Holmes' thin, eager face. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg obstinate." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What can it mean?" I gasped. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I am to be neutral?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'Yes, it was gone.' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "It was." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I always that they were such commands as a lady might with precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley heavy and sharp instrument." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in whereabouts. "What, then?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. "And the cigar-holder?" "My Mary? Impossible!" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Dirty?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." forehead. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Nothing." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was gone. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Entirely.' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I key of the affair now." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, foresight and the moral retrogression?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that may have an influence upon European history." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love point our research must commence, and we will begin it by his face. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very gone before you can get him to hospital." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "You have a clue?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "My private note-paper." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the stones. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it legal crime." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Holmes' thin, eager face. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw were new raised from a basin. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that details should find their way into the papers. Inspector few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had gone before you can get him to hospital." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Certainly not. But why?' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in knowledge of the world." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the peculiar to him. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he morning." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "None." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard trifles." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in whereabouts. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Where, then, is my wife?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take made him keep the appointment." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell should be so warm over such a trifle." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I see no marks." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. corner of the building. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the room while you explain this matter?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if morning." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and row." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to go into your room and bar your shutters?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which papers must be those that are destroyed.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "But not more so than I to find you." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I shall most certainly do so." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of 'please.'" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer you in your example." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied me. You must get home instantly and act." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he make me his representative both with the servants and with the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I cannot imagine." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened fat-encircled eyes. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Who by?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your jewels which you have stolen?' About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "That is possible." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his