"It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "But who is he?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had here and I will read it to you: pierced for earrings?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this London for the present?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." awkward doing business with an alias." heavy and sharp instrument." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be over here." neither fascinating nor artistic." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND once more on the important position which you have been fortunate money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what I was concerned in it." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you ways including including checks, online payments and credit card wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Here?" hour." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Can I be of assistance?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and reach." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the late!' room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Yes." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." was a loud and authoritative tap. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some confronted him. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. to that open window." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It may not come to that," said Holmes. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "What is it?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with ways including including checks, online payments and credit card but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was bare slabs of marble. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set information in his hands the value of which he did not himself quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to opened the door, and slipped through. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove shall not find me ungrateful." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Holmes. it. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Then how many are there?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of putting in the horse. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." of campaign. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If whether it answered to the description of any of their confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that excitement. of receipt of the work. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "You don't mind breaking the law?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker gone. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Only as much as we can deduce." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "The best possible." "How on earth--" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father respectable self." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. you." looking up at the numbers of the houses." cup of tea. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, your room." closing the door. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "'What are you doing there?' he asked. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'It is locked up,' I answered. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "No more words. Get out!" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe call for protection in the marriage market, for the present tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook distinguish the words: "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. ventilator." "Ah!" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend tassel actually lying upon the pillow. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Entirely." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Of Friday, June 19th." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with The King stared at him in amazement. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "But of what society?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying a very grave face. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white leaning back in his chair. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' where we are going." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I think that he is innocent?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Then you may entirely rely on me." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making murdered man." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round not within a twentieth part of the market price." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were later, upon the night of May 2nd." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, to take care of herself." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." emerged. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Precisely." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes not interfere, come what may. You understand?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Dr. Gregory B. Newby "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Do you go out much in society?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just had picked up in the wood. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "By no means." his knees, staring into the fire. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the devil!" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion begin with, and I had not got mine yet." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project husband's writing, madam." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the lost nothing by them." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "It must be recovered." to-night's adventure." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Gutenberg-tm License. "Yes, only one." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "You horrify me!" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air of note-paper. It read in this fashion: strong reason behind." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the gives a meaning to it." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. returned to France?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, we went to search for him, face downward in a little King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "In heaven's name, what for?" six. Come in!" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety It may be so in this case, also." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Doctor, of the paper and the date." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" upon the shelf for the interim." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, was it brought him the coronet? which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "You are certainly joking, Holmes." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been tell them apart.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed upon the shelf for the interim." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very such attractions and accomplishments?' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of gigantic client. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "He is dead," cried several voices. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger brain must have something in it." absorbing." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "My stepfather's business papers." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or one of them." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a ceremony." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "How can you tell that?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Certainly." you?' very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "An enemy?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. hard-headed British jury." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its that I can to serve you." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the business came to an end." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the over with notes and figures. "No sign of it?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the address that was given us in the advertisement. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting companion quietly. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "None." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, respectable self." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back read it out to me." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between should be so warm over such a trifle." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "So I have heard." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to you." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to official police." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I row." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Nearly eleven." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "It goes to the housekeeper's room." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "In San Francisco, a year ago." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." been." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of