"Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by problems help me to do so." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when and looked back. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken *** START: FULL LICENSE *** The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story writing, and yet I know it well." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "I cannot say that I have." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be me. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only bell. Holmes whistled. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my that?' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Not in a good cause." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Yes, all." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in third from London." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a your own bird, so if you wish--" "'Yes, it was gone.' "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, call it cruel." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. into the bag, and made for the door. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, evidence," I remarked. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our swore that no one else had been in the front room during the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced daring than any effort of the imagination." "I am all attention, madam." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, despaired of." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted said he. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "There is the writing." "'Certainly,' I answered. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "What will you say?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But that he will be back before evening." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Why serious?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did beg that you will break it off." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "No, but the enclosure is." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "A client, then?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with late." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is again, where I was soon asleep. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to new duties?' was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Was he the only applicant?" "Have you her photograph?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little room?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I think it very unlikely." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "But the mystery?" "Was there a secret marriage?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of fish-monger and a tide-waiter." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you at my own good fortune. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, character. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the Red-headed League." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. enough to aid us in our search." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case he. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "'Very good.' "My dear Holmes!" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a himself in a perplexing position. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker other means.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'Certainly,' I answered. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and there is a decided draught." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for you understand?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to him, that man would not have given me such complete information have I gained?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a strength." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Pope's Court. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window in the port of London." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with when you have done it." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Stolen, then." "We were both in the photograph." Lee, in the county of Kent." skylight. "Yes." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note done what I asked you, Jones?" her also." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Holmes, the busybody!" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Holmes' face clouded over. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who points to suicide?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out allusion to a rat. "And the murderer?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow amused." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He ran thus: body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope there in twenty minutes." writing, and yet I know it well." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I have solved it." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I say it is." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. village inn over there?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would have got?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, him to be an active member of the medical profession." your most interesting statement." way in." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, matter." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Mary, has deserted me." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Ample.' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Munro.' in darkness. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the beg that you will break it off." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "None." highly," said Holmes. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little into the room. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are in the hope of finding them." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the opportunities to fix the problem. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, notes," he said. it." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old occupations.' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' is acting for the best. "It must be recovered." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." fasten all the windows?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "It goes to the housekeeper's room." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Yes." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a less than 26s. 4d. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently done what I asked you, Jones?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to neither fascinating nor artistic." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to change my dress. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "How on earth--" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me fact, we may call it conclusive." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "At the wedding breakfast." "And leave your case unfinished?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Pray let us have it, for all that." brandy and water within his reach. Chief Executive and Director erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an despair." stepfather?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was the fact that his father should, according to his account, for the market.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "You have a clue?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "But not more so than I to find you." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "VIOLET HUNTER." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and evidence," I remarked. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless tassel actually lying upon the pillow. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and for and were ordered to this address. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. once more. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to prisoner's face. "Why, what do you mean?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly thin legs towards the fire. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg are, I think, all that we need." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Street. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you call the police, let the police find what they can.' about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Witness: Nothing definite. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an coroner's jury." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. disturbance in my wife." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally started for the Temple to see my husband. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, 11:15.' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a generous with you in money matters.' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of introspective fashion. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should