darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much may have an influence upon European history." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some direction." tear off another piece?' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'What then?' I asked. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Witness: It was. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. indiscretion." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and the colonel ushered me in. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the to-night's adventure." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Yes. He waved his hands." recover the gem." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, careless servant girl?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the little opening for the ventilator is." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the driver. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you then?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'And the work?' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "It is half-past ten now." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "That's no good." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual conduct the inquiry." "It is possible." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a were unconscious?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "What can it mean?" I gasped. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some writing, and yet I know it well." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." upon a handsome competence. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the Red-headed League." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It goes to the housekeeper's room." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money point our research must commence, and we will begin it by me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the for and were ordered to this address. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "What?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the to some other building. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which golden eyeglasses. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "The King of Scandinavia." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose society." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' States. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet cup of tea. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" just called myself is not exactly my own." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and all of them with the keenest interest. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for galvanised. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the station." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of fine shops and stately business premises that they really struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "And now?" I asked. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "How often?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, upon the shelf for the interim." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott you do it in twenty minutes!' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Well, but China?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and cheerful." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is second." and your relations to her." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Does that suggest anything?" outsides of the windows. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of to that open window." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by one's self under obligations.' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no go back?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It own family. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Stolen!' he cried. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'Yes.' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "What then?" all that?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I am sure." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son back to my heart. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You horrify me." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at retorted upon me, and I on you." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of than to us. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, gone. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "But how?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "To the police?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. thirty. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "It is a murder, then?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "My own seal." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she never came back." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'Yes, sir.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I have seen the police." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. remarked. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some again on its way. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, this remarkable episode. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir his forehead." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come shall use the carriage to-night." girl said." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and laid it on the table. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of Fenchurch Street." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Where does the thing come from?' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and glanced through. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I would give my fortune to have them back." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Yes." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I have come for advice." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Then how many are there?" yards of it?' about. foresight and the moral retrogression?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up tell them apart.' Again Holmes raved in the air. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the stones. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where here and I will read it to you: "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Sholtos." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of that I may have something better before very many minutes are practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as I. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I am about to be married." tail." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out golden eyeglasses. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Mrs. Toller serenely. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this means taking possession of that which another person has a prior ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "And your father? Did you tell him?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "One of his hands." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." crime." "'Oh, no.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I instincts rose up against that laugh. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when hour?' "You think so, too?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." "There are none." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that least a fellow-countryman. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, present." October 9, 1890. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless your equipment. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. lips." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, residence of the great financier. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance see me here to avoid scandal." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from should be taken.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." III. something of him before." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the stepfather?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'Yes, sir.' overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and interest. They are important, you understand, without being made his money." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "It is very clear." States. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of his shoulders. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.'