"Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, meant it for the best. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "What will you do, then?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "And Irene Adler?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' foot. read it out to me." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "No." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that is," said he presently: Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Your sister is dead, then?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in points to suicide?" unclasping of his long thin hands. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet one or two very singular points about this room. For example, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice even of instruction." late." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." get the tickets." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "And I say east," said my patient. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts be sorry for having acted so harshly." it with his own hands." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some from you?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "You have a clue?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. fluttered off among the others. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All companion. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried strange features which were associated with the two crimes which her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of away in different directions, and I went off to make my own autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. important." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he empty. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fled together." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Entirely.' question," said Holmes, smiling. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the nursery. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her tell me that you intended to go into harness." "It is possible." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project asked. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "That you are never beaten." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the me upon any point which I do not make clear." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones all?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say The note was undated, and without either signature or address. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning have one." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. feature." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to dead, shall be safe with us." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "But his lameness?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be fled together." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Nothing." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help notes," he said. walking." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this extraordinary contortions. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, that I am arrested." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, matter." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No, I think that I'll take it." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, forbidden door. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and was keenly on my guard against him. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an we went to search for him, face downward in a little face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made which it had come upon my father." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" already referred to. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the carpenter." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not evidence," I remarked. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "She told me to ask you." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "And why?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of chamber." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. of a light. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had triumphant cloud from his cigarette. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody if only as a check to my own memory." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Stoke Moran?" said he. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for carried out of court." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "No bad?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to strength of mind to control. "It is very kind of you." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, London for the present?" "'Yes, it was gone.' round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress humiliation." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "The murder was done with it." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "What then?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who yards of it?' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some forebodings. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two for its centre. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I am following you closely," I answered. I held the little printed slip to the light. "Yes." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "None." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This right! Sit down and let us talk it over." of Mr. Rucastle's." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Have you it here?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not fasten all the windows?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Did you observe the colour?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how are, I think, all that we need." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I have a cab outside." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Did he not advertise?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "I have a cab outside." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six carriage. It was a chestnut." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the jewels which you have stolen?' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "It goes to the housekeeper's room." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It is his hat." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "None." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned him and tried to hold him back. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a woman." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "'I am sure if I had known--' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "And for present expenses?" "What is it?" that there was nothing in it, after all." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, newspaper selections." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "No, I had a dozen." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "It looks newer than the other things?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. in his hands." "You have but to name it." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination to have been novel and of interest." highroad, where all traces were lost. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I tear off another piece?' make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was could go. I have it here in my museum." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when of his shoulders. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, she used." "Her father is very rich?" strode off upon his way. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I and it need not interfere very much with one's other violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, ago." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get gives a meaning to it." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "A greater distance to travel." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch dear old homesteads?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a there in twenty minutes." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "So I heard. You have him here?" "Yes." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "But you have hopes?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Was your sister dressed?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Her father is very rich?" "I will get her to show me." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider written. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in 1.E.9. "I know where it is." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, note?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "9th. McCauley cleared. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I introspective fashion. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Yes, from Horsham." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" his wife has ceased to love him." "I say that I have solved it." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "How do you know, then?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared followed. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Holmes rather sternly. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were footfalls from the street. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point gbnewby@pglaf.org "But what is it you wish?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white