quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Stoke Moran?" said he. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the tell him that I know him to be innocent." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "My dear Holmes!" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, forecastle of an emigrant ship. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. interested in these little problems, and since you are good crime. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two triumphant cloud from his cigarette. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which events, Mr. Windibank!" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things British peeress.'" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon been shamefully used." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir instituted." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "But what harm can there be in that?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. more terrible than the truth. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "You are certainly joking, Holmes." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'And the work?' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Gutenberg-tm License. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." seven miles from Eyford Station.' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of the vacancies.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and orange pips. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front notes," he said. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Will you go?" "Yes, from Horsham." occurred." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was details should find their way into the papers. Inspector therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "But how will you look?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases article?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a been with you?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "You have compromised yourself seriously." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I am still in the dark." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes already referred to. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself him, that man would not have given me such complete information the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some his face. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project man. I know him from the photograph." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey once more for Briony Lodge. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite noting anything else of interest. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the dangers which encompass me." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Ah!" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little whether it answered to the description of any of their "And who is her maid?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the skylight. "One?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Just look it up, then." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Murdered?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Yes." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "That also I could fathom." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "How about poison?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "At the wedding breakfast." off." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at villagers almost as much as their master. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come signal between you and your father? my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the hopeless attempt at recovering them." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "'It is locked up,' I answered. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Stoke Moran?" said he. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I comes from the middle window." your bag." Does that suggest anything?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the important." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and His name is Francis Prosper." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the Red-headed League." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every our word." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "And the cigar-holder?" "Nearly eleven." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "And how in the world did you find them?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. other, as fresh and trim as possible. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other of Fenchurch Street." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is into her hand at the door and which lured her within their successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the coronet in his hands?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "My Mary? Impossible!" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "No bad?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "And what did you see?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "And Miss Sutherland?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last come either from the window or the door. My attention was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them ourselves in the office." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than gigantic client. "A call for help, you thought?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in said he. up this clue while it is still hot." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true society." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Of Friday, June 19th." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and me. call you and give you the chance." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are of." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we me. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, guilty one." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I cannot say that I have." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with strength of mind to control. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "VIOLET HUNTER." I. yet." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of than was visible to me." "To an English lawyer named Norton." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as best detective that ever lived. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he persecution?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to should be taken.' approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which him!" directly by questioning you." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Never to return." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their of the efforts of the United States government and of the better rat could hardly pass through." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any of them has the shutters up.' tell them apart.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it chemical work which was so dear to him. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the behind me. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Gutenberg-tm License. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused triumphant cloud from his cigarette. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to again." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open simple cases which are so extremely difficult." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." trifles." "I think that it is very probable." Foundation Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Leadenhall Street--and--" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was possible that we could bring him back to her? laugh and put his lips to my ear. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition just ask you whether you had heard it.' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I think that I had better go, Holmes." License. You must require such a user to return or lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we sentimental considerations in the background which would induce days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, business." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, that, and I came down." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Not in a good cause." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that congratulate you again." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you went to the Alpha were town bred." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Imitated." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "She told me to ask you." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce hurried by. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" more terrible than the truth.