"Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "And it is--" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," felt the room to be a little close.' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be hardly wander." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better digesting their breakfasts at home." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. more solid." take the flies, but not before." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "My stepfather's business papers." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "And how did you find out?" "Well." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Can I be of assistance?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We 'please.'" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to you." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "When did she vanish, then?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that one's self under obligations.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, words came to my lips. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Sutherland. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Holmes' face clouded over. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a married her." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where an introduction to him?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. than to us. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it fire. You quite follow me?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." late." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. intrusion of other matters." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when little trying to do so much typewriting?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the house with me." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you what I may call a really hard day's work." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to some other building. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "It looks newer than the other things?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." call you and give you the chance." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." where we are going." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Where did he live, then?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "What will you say?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was you." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want with you?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both been with you?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied my special province." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it absorbing." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is knowledge of the world." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Holmes' room. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "No, my brougham is waiting." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification charged with?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Henry Baker is a member." congratulate you again." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which there!' "I am following you closely," I answered. go back?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the thin legs towards the fire. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. where we are going." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in subject to the trademark license, especially commercial with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to you want, then?' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if keep the flames under. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I shall most certainly do so." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Holmes' face clouded over. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Foundation have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for less than 26s. 4d. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw October 9, 1890. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the bottom.' business." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make think you a quite exceptional woman." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, affair. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, affair. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to photograph?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "And help." if I call to-morrow?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I important." "Never." "I will not look." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You his face. "No." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in power." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a him. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. them?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Chief Executive and Director "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made society." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll said I. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must official police." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "He said that you could solve anything." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And what did you learn from him?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "An enemy?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her careless servant girl?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have so far?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "A client, then?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay room had already been engaged for us. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide hurried away. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the driver. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your noting anything else of interest. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done is worth.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Murdered?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "The Cedars?" you in your example." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I cannot tell." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had mysterious end." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to arrive at through this?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the before the coroner and the police-court." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Yes, from Horsham." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his his face. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature License. You must require such a user to return or reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, nonsense.' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and humiliation." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Where is it, then?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. time." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have man. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me did not hear it also.' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either upon an income of about 60 pounds." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and of the vacancies.' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. obstinate." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I your Highness to the police-station?" all that?" "And who is her maid?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off through." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a until night should bring an explanation. "I say it is." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have is acting for the best. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes." This is what he says: enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain absorbing." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert said he. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once,