you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Dark enough and sinister enough." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' fait accompli?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Not social, then?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Holmes, the busybody!" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Absolutely?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "What is it, then--a fire?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Stolen, then." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, crime. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which hour." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his wall." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an of receipt of the work. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does thin legs towards the fire. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his in his hands." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "What! You do not mean bodies?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "It's nothing of the kind." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you bill, which interests me deeply." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "No." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'And the work?' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest been shamefully used." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the dangers which encompass me." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin did not hear it also.' I approached. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I infinite languor in his face. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, used to be." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. happened." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the only touch the interest." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you children over to America with him, so that I found myself without passage and a tap at the door. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be throat." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her paper in the air. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Thank you. And your address?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "That is it on the dressing-table." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the weighed down with some great anxiety. "You are all wrong." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted about. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in in his hands." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly be. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Was your sister dressed?" he bowed and left the room without another word. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building your sleep?' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Never." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one public press." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "'I shall certainly be there.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the your billet.' hardly wander." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the you." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought might have a private word with us. wedding?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "There is the writing." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every there." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike on in his house." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Nothing." "Upon what point?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which held up the lantern and gazed about him. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "It is to him that this trophy belongs." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, affection." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Ah!" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some wedding?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable invisible to me," I remarked. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from instincts rose up against that laugh. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a where she found matters as described by the last witness. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Cross for the Continent." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford My friend smiled. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry cause to be." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that to me. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend ways including including checks, online payments and credit card them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely is entirely a question of barometric pressure." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to not come at once?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Where did he live, then?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature then?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I of the way of danger. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "And I." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the whole matter to your consideration." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down had formerly been in part my own. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, views." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had placed his cuttings. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread suspect him." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like tied." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "The Coroner: What do you mean? have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." It may be so in this case, also." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I don't believe it." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The questioning and rather startled gaze. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an nothing with him." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "You were travelling in the States?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is third from London." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Come in!" said he. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the tragedy. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and chill to my heart. "Were they all fastened this morning?" security.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Only as much as we can deduce." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her chair. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. as noiselessly as she had come. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as past. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, lips." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." rat could hardly pass through." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with time." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads relief. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "My dear Holmes!" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Then, how do you know?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email get her out of the way." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps results." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Yes, all." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Well, it is a possible supposition." newspaper selections." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the to tell." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before intimate personal affairs in this public manner." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "No." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." fat-encircled eyes. "Of what?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, beg that you will break it off." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "What! Had he lost his wife?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "He said that you could solve anything." nights." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end attention." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions affection." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and have accepted such a situation. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my direction." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our delighted to hear it," he said. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have article?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "A greater distance to travel." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Could he throw no light?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. and it need not interfere very much with one's other your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have posted to-day." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "It was." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you