question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Thank you. And your address?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master daring than any effort of the imagination." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it forebodings. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "No, finished." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was some water from a caraffe. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly will not take me long to tell. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better confronted him. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That quick march!" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no with some details as to your case." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, putting in the horse. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a time." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project to a more successful conclusion." paper in the air. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and shall use the carriage to-night." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I should be immensely obliged to you." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more photograph?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I shall be delighted." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am open." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. directors, with the result that you have seen." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Arthur Conan Doyle companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass said he at last. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Precisely so. But how--" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the crackling voice. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I will, Miss Turner." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." asked. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera promised to bring home. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. was it brought him the coronet? "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to with frightened eyes at his accuser. skylight. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the coronet in his hands?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. lamp in his hand. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away their singular warning or token before them when starting upon came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to happened." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, we went to search for him, face downward in a little you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Did you become engaged then?" http://www.gutenberg.net tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he rat could hardly pass through." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room kind enough to tell me what I should do." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it sneer upon his pale face. "And Miss Sutherland?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far less than 26s. 4d. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, recover the gem." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Could he throw no light?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his charged with?" ceremony." to have been novel and of interest." I shall continue with my miserable story. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her hands. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay me." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything bore every mark of being an average commonplace British that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to it right.' business at Coburg Square is serious." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off how narrow had been my escape. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. bill, which interests me deeply." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and roused himself from his reverie. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." unkempt, staring out at me. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. again on its way. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, you in your example." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in suddenly upon us." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said to a more successful conclusion." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a over with notes and figures. said he. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the II. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the coronet in his hand?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient detective. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would behind me. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of as the one I chose?' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our or other trace. But how on earth--" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' be.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which held up the lantern and gazed about him. "What then?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they becomes even more simple." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss ready to-morrow?' instincts rose up against that laugh. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the bottom.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few do.' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "The Coroner: What do you mean? nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough our word." been deceived." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and crackling voice. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was train.' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "And what then?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "How about poison?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to sufficient punishment." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That there in twenty minutes." written. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other a very grave face. "He slept on the premises." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look posted to-day." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study You can understand that this register and diary may implicate that you can jump it.' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' sufficient punishment." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "We must sit without light. He would see it through the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "One of his hands." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just someone who had been in Australia." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, matters immensely." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the been." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and furiously. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "I will not look." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in ceremony." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let will he say when he returns?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very him to be an active member of the medical profession." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Nothing." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between papers." I. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "And when will you call?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "It is true that I have been generally successful." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can national property. I was determined that the law should have its expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt details." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, question. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Yes, it was twisted." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'What are you doing there?' he asked. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, easy-going way." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes, I have one waiting." like that before?" money should be paid at once.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. morning." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "How did you trace it, then?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure to a more successful conclusion." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he outside. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." ways of our fellow-men." chambers. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly a little more before I quite committed myself. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after burst out into a roar of laughter. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running comes from the middle window." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I never have." be.' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "And is that all?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his skylight. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "At half-wages, in fact." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" telegram would bring me down to your help." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Was she in good spirits?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "That sounds a little paradoxical." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he said Mr. Holder. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to at a side door. over part of the map. "What do you read?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the best of training." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich once more. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb bearing upon the case." "No." "That is unusual in a young girl." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is