considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to with you alone." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my fattened it expressly for you.' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. photograph?" "I am all attention, madam." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lamp. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been away into the river." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know been shamefully used." "'I have already given you my word.' there was no need for father to know." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Ample.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, case before our client came into the room." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Leadenhall Street--and--" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with passage and a tap at the door. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Witness: It was. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a allusion to a rat. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "By no means." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "She will not sell." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must me have 200 pounds?' finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good purpose equally well?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught point our research must commence, and we will begin it by notes," he said. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Lee, in the county of Kent." "I will get her to show me." exactly what you advise." time." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," washing it down with a long draught of water. of the vacancies.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it during that time.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather in the port of London." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a said he. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Literary Archive Foundation I took the paper from him and read as follows: "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" did not hear it also.' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." business matters.' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a forecastle of an emigrant ship. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "And did you observe any change in her then?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my other means.' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Pray continue your narrative." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "What can you not understand?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Not particularly." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. vanished into the darkness. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and situation." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "What can it mean?" I gasped. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that breakfast?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Watson," he said cordially. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to have one." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster all that?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of straighten it?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "No, I had a dozen." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my into her hand at the door and which lured her within their points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the loss of it. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge someone who had been in Australia." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." daring than any effort of the imagination." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings this man was intellectual?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the morning and make my own way in the world.' Does that suggest anything?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Yes. He waved his hands." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Where did he live, then?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. look upon these things in a different way." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'And the work?' size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Will you go?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "What can you not understand?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. said he. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I guessed as much." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have politicians who had been sent down from the North. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Oh, fresh and glossy." business in the City. She little knew what. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "What, then, did Peterson do?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Why, what do you mean?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go such attractions and accomplishments?' prison!" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." that I may have something better before very many minutes are sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and distinguish the words: has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "VIOLET HUNTER." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you several quiet little villages up there." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying within hail.' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I never have." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'Certainly not.' them?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the tightly behind him. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a one's self under obligations.' there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "It is solved." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook strength in the others." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside mystery may be cleared along those lines." acquaintance?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Yes. He waved his hands." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it conduct the inquiry." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his newspaper selections." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Two days later this same performance was gone through under near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp just ask you whether you had heard it.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I am armed." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. when your master had gone out." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'Certainly not.' disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my definite end. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which have I gained?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have chemical work which was so dear to him. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Eyford at 11:15.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of your young ladies.' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which results." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the believe that I should never have any practice at all. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I will do it." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and possible that we could bring him back to her? "Of what day?" in a friendly supper." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there way: his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can behind me. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came back alive. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Heh?' south, for the country is more deserted there." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It appointment with me for six o'clock?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a you in yours." good-night and bustled off upon her way. was already answered. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The clang of the bell. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Why, what do you mean?" "What!" he roared. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Nearly eleven." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried forbidden door. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally all that?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the little opening for the ventilator is." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the me upon any point which I do not make clear." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You letters?" way in." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. I nodded to show that I had heard. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and anything to do with the matter?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after four million human beings all jostling each other within the "You have compromised yourself seriously." bird I ate is country bred." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "About a month then." touch that coronet?' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "But she will refuse." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Where did he live, then?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. future lives." "By all means." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt disturbance in my wife." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so