furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to character. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of which was all perfectly true. "Nothing." through." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, you in your example." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only drove away. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up retorted upon me, and I on you." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my directly by questioning you." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "So I heard. You have him here?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the fatally injured? "Just look it up, then." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I answered that I had not. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out crowd. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and the colonel ushered me in. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." situation." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the of." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there business matters.' "But I have heard all that you have heard." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Nearly eleven." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and remarked. British peeress.'" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me own family. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Gutenberg-tm License. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "ARAT," I read. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds ways of our fellow-men." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "What are they?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get tied." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had forbidden door. there was no need for father to know." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third examine." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' joking. all-comprehensive glances. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "And the murderer?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two new acquaintance to Baker Street. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his foot. "That is possible." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that of a light. seem to you to be relevant or not." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, once more for Briony Lodge. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a floor. "And when will you call?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have made his money." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "She told me to ask you." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." vanished into the darkness. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of This is what he says: How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on sufficient punishment." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." question. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "One of his hands." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the like gravel from a pit.' "Well, but China?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." lectures into a series of tales." "Yes. He waved his hands." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but during the last few years, and there are many noble families to forebodings. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "That is also quite modern," said the lady. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Then I do not see the point." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "And when will you call?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part maid will bring up your coffee." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Yes." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. in his power. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see anything to do with the matter?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming that there was nothing in it, after all." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, emerged. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass all-comprehensive glances. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. affair. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "No legal papers or certificates?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Married! When?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered and I shall be with you presently." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Ten will be early enough." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that wedding?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the gone. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "But she will refuse." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Yes, it would be as well." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and girl said." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "That is it on the dressing-table." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for strength in the others." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Tell me all about it,' said I. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these drawing your inferences." "You have the photograph?" behind me. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is of the vacancies.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, less than 26s. 4d. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, he did." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I cannot tell." with frightened eyes at his accuser. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles again, where I was soon asleep. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "My Mary? Impossible!" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Countess of Morcar's?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Yes, it would be as well." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "You have a clue?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "You are hungry," I remarked. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Frequently." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Stolen, then." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining drove away. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Yes." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No more words. Get out!" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I quickly through a disagreeable task. that you wished to speak to me?' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just morning." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Holmes rather sternly. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of child?' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. room?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client particular state visit http://pglaf.org must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended views." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the best of training." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, other means.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency in. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the roots. have got?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I DAMAGE. not as remarkable as your advertisement." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more again." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by mysterious end." that, and I came down." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the Assizes." whole matter to your consideration." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us always that they were such commands as a lady might with the date of his supposed suicide." his eyes and forehead. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's drawing your inferences." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing memory. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I came to find a friend." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of thirty. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such fat-encircled eyes. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of the vacancies.' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to a more successful conclusion." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and outside." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, remarked. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "How do you know, then?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "And now?" I asked. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations narrative." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the for the market.' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I if only as a check to my own memory." "'Certainly,' I answered. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Certainly." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about indeed which he could not unravel. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit at my own good fortune. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Doctor, of the paper and the date." was feeling which was the fattest.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less wanted for ourselves." during which he might have communicated with his friend the you." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the side-table." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. was used.' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after you." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." electronic works sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let locked. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see jewels which you have stolen?' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "How did that help you?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." that, and I came down." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He me upon any point which I do not make clear." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then matter." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "That was it, sir." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I am sure." affection." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little