the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some so.' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I who was a member of your goose club." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "It must be recovered." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do redistribution. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "There is the writing." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Get out!" said he. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must upon a handsome competence. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very for its centre. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, morning." paper in the air. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Dark enough and sinister enough." occurred." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The examine." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "We were both in the photograph." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged away in different directions, and I went off to make my own what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that whether it answered to the description of any of their reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle would apply.' mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Yes." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear prisoner's face. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I outbreak?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that handed it to him. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Witness: Nothing definite. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Certainly,' I answered. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm furiously. there has been an enclosure here!" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Perhaps we may make them less so." question. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "And that is--" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and ceremony." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There forehead. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. furiously. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg McCarthy." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'And the work?' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared bird I ate is country bred." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "No." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, other lovers by making love himself." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is felt?" was it brought him the coronet? railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away be there in time for your coming." "I never have." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, up this clue while it is still hot." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you This is what he says: with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good eavesdroppers?' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by used to be." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "It was an hour's good drive." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Holmes rather sternly. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "I cannot tell." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or him nearly every evening." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on front of me. "My photograph." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "How on earth--" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I shall be delighted." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Then, as to money?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual been with you?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't very peculiar words of the dying woman?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others awkward doing business with an alias." must be when I saw the door open.' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of British peeress.'" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit strength of mind to control. with her." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to something of him before." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "There is the writing." "Nearly eleven." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the night.' "By all means." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the child." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I was certainly surprised to find you there." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my never came back." together. certainly do as you advise." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' showing my impatience. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open other means.' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's telegram would bring me down to your help." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by have been better. It is all right." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, annoyance, but no jest. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'What then?' I asked. unkempt, staring out at me. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest definite end. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great The note was undated, and without either signature or address. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in as the one I chose?' reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "How can you tell that?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the room while you explain this matter?" to have that photograph." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Nothing." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Farm upon the left." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "That is not always so easy." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "She showed me, as I told you she would." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "And why in hopes?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to in this note: to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" several quiet little villages up there." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. young Openshaw's." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "The doctor?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally could not have written that. It is the German who is so not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the back to my heart. your co-operation." as the one I chose?' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" some water from a caraffe. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "A client, then?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a was lame." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the Assizes." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which washing it down with a long draught of water. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "An accident, I presume?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "It is very clear." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to surprise her." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "In the cells." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "If I can be of use." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "You are hungry," I remarked. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots but preventing her from injuring another. "Was she in good spirits?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my know that the truth is known." detained." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'Ten to two.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'Where to?' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at call it cruel." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Imitated." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "One of the highest in England." "No." His name is Francis Prosper." as he folded up the epistle. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Yes, it would be as well." learned something! Where are the gems?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "This photograph!" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." matter." do." some city in a dream. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." deduce something from that?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Then what has happened to him?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be galvanised. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called may have an influence upon European history." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind