could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, unkempt, staring out at me. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my cigar and let me expound." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "On the contrary, this is the right side." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "The decline of his fortunes, then?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few think, you have already met." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the touch that coronet?' frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I will, Miss Turner." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey depend upon my doing so.' "Come in!" said Holmes. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey you do it in twenty minutes!' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Entirely.' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Come in!" said Holmes. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a sooner or later she must fall a victim. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. yet." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Then I can wait in the next room." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the iron safe, which he closed upon it. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "The King of Scandinavia." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and maid will bring up your coffee." least a most suspicious remark." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I fear not." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Stoke Moran?" said he. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin house for five minutes.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy His smile broadened. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, rose-bushes. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Absolutely none." "Really! You surprise me." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' is four-and-twenty." that he has suffered." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Yes." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? not fit the lock." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked relief. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found over here." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in a good hundred miles off by now." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the tragedy. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the one as in the other." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Then he might have called to you?" Pool. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases have been better. It is all right." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and it." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "May I see it?" really the only notable feature about the thing." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "What I expected to see." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "She walked into the breakfast-room." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Yes. He waved his hands." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child cigar and let me expound." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'I am sure that I do not know.' midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could meanly of me." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin obstinate." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'I am sure that I do not know.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you affection." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'As governess?' "Not him." "I say that I have solved it." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Pray be precise as to details," said he. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, at my remark. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I maiden herself was most instructive." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the Red-headed League." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and capable of preserving a secret.' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Which surely he restored to their owner?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making main points of my analysis." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Serpentine Avenue. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just address. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "My last client of the sort was a king." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty up this clue while it is still hot." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Has he come with you to-night?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner subject to the trademark license, especially commercial A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "The King of Scandinavia." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 rose-bushes. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I should wish to." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, dramatic, in fact." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. him to go away.' "Dr. Becher's." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after knowledge of the world." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and mystery." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and very old mansion. "I should be immensely obliged to you." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Not in a good cause." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "And on what day did he meet his death?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in made his money." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer hands. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were generous with you in money matters.' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Yes." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad a monotonous occupation." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is empty. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is his grey eyes. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I was afraid that you were engaged." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear in the dead of the night?' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Yes, the wine-cellar." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this house for five minutes.' "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is me where it went to?" behind me. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady felt?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I was mad--insane." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her wanted for ourselves." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time girl said." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," of Fenchurch Street." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country key turn in the lock." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Imitated." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and gbnewby@pglaf.org the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to fashion which was peculiar to him. "And is that all?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, my room." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "How did you deduce the select?" stepfather?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to some other building. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." sparkled upon his finger. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it friend's singular character. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and put his glass in his pocket. once more to my work. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "So I am. Very much so." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to strong reason behind." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were closely." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the house with me." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the warnings." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a his fortune, and I went back to pa. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Will you go?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "That is not always so easy." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Again Holmes raved in the air. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "We have tried and failed." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of away to you." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining should be taken.' not within a twentieth part of the market price." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I cannot imagine." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew and prosperity to your house. Good-night." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "No bad?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the a suggestive one." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' salesman. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I will get her to show me." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the station." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" both be extremely obliged.' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Can I be of assistance?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for conceal it?" of it with the greatest attention. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "That was it, sir." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Young McCarthy must be got off, however." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and it need not interfere very much with one's other "No good news?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, at once, for I have only half an hour." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an heavily into it. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just strength of mind to control. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Is purely nominal.' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good was used.' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?"