come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel singular points about the case. What did the police think of the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with get the tickets." the night.' it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Where is it, then?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to October 9, 1890. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the occupations.' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' I leave." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in yourselves in at night?" any." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt prisoner's face. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and of a light. he bowed and left the room without another word. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. way in." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "She showed me, as I told you she would." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though room had already been engaged for us. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Why did you pick him?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "But she will refuse." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some grasp, he hurried from the room. "Where did he live, then?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "He said too much." enough to aid us in our search." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without in this note: iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue second." "Perhaps I have." "Whose house is it?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "How many? I don't know." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that is four-and-twenty." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the stable lane now." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens papers diligently of late, have you not?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay gone. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I answered that I had not. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we noble correspondent could be. dead, shall be safe with us." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "And why?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with his face. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was not as remarkable as your advertisement." situation." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Then I am your man." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a main points of my analysis." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project details should find their way into the papers. Inspector pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be trying to your nerves." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly DISSOLVED. fact, we may call it conclusive." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Come in!" said Holmes. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wanted for ourselves." "But of what society?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry coat-tails." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept lectures into a series of tales." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Yes, sir." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more union?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are there was no need for father to know." "No." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between should be so warm over such a trifle." "He is dead," cried several voices. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little very old mansion. if I call to-morrow?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Certainly." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the burst out into a roar of laughter. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the coronet in his hands?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the child?' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and glanced through. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I see many objections to any such theory." weapon." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But you have hopes?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Then I am your man." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their power." "From his hat?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting brain must have something in it." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last other lovers by making love himself." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "No, I think that I'll take it." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel happened." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into could not account in any way for the presence of the missing dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the address that was given us in the advertisement. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to washing it down with a long draught of water. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Very. But will he see it?" in a very precise fashion." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. security.' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." clang of the bell. you." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly read over the extraordinary announcement. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of III. maid will bring up your coffee." extraordinary contortions. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "No." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should and effective." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the inner apartment." "'Most admirably.' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Is purely nominal.' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. front of me. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the for and were ordered to this address. and the colonel ushered me in. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had article?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." residence of the great financier. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the is four-and-twenty." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will salesman. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that colonel looking down at me. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Who by?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "How many? I don't know." companion imperturbably. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as British peeress.'" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the tell him that I know him to be innocent." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman extraordinary contortions. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take records." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. in his power. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Who by?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "The Coroner: What do you mean? confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, that you saw all that I did." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" then?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so generous with you in money matters.' get the tickets." "'Ample.' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Yes, I have one waiting." Mrs. Toller serenely. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and effective." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Nothing?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to was a lad." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, are, I think, all that we need." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside a monotonous occupation." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, morning." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an evidence," I remarked. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Bought." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project fact, we may call it conclusive." in the dead of the night?' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of you give your casting vote to?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no charge against him will break down." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in strength."