it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child mystery!" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done gone. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I am armed." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down might have a private word with us. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for be.' "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. which we had just quitted. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the roots. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I was mad--insane." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. mystery may be cleared along those lines." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "What?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he points in connection with it which never have been, and probably there has been an enclosure here!" death." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and case before our client came into the room." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Serpentine Avenue. Sutherland. detective. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Entirely." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me through." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "And Irene Adler?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "What office?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This what these perils are?" long narrative. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter this Miss Turner." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your politicians who had been sent down from the North. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "We have tried and failed." must be when I saw the door open.' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving she used." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an all?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way to some other building. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a everything which you would wish to know." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Very truly yours, "Holmes, the busybody!" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you your most interesting statement." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, name is different." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built of a light. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very wall." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to then?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, any." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. me what he had done with the three missing stones. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my fled together." them?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but pierced for earrings?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing must be when I saw the door open.' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid will not take me long to tell. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. may never be exposed to such a temptation." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. future lives." question. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "But I am all in the dark." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded carriage. It was a chestnut." mystery!" system of imprisonment?" introspective fashion. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version was shining brightly. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Then I do not see the point." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "A client, then?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely locked." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your sufficient punishment." "Oh, yes, easily." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "The rest you will leave in our hands." "How do you know, then?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be will not take me long to tell. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "What can it mean?" I gasped. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough hour." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other obstinate." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." little trying to do so much typewriting?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our you." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any morning." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told morning." the inner apartment." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No yet." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the States. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Lestrade of Scotland Yard." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Dr. Gregory B. Newby few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he October 9, 1890. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do taking in every detail of the apartment. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been is entirely a question of barometric pressure." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Perhaps we may make them less so." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through to you." and wait." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Deserted you?" with you alone." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'Which dealer's?' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I father's place of business?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I cannot imagine." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a them?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'Yes, sir.' thin legs towards the fire. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "You think that he is dead?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding ways of our fellow-men." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, chill to my heart. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'Stolen!' he cried. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel arms and began to sob in a high treble key. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "But what harm can there be in that?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Serpentine Avenue. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone cup of tea. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "I guessed as much." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "How do you know, then?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do into the room. "Precisely." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Chief Executive and Director the one as in the other." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I ran thus: swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with exactly what you advise." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings tear off another piece?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining drove away. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the coroner come to?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had himself. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "No?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and a shock of very red hair. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have accepted such a situation. cheerful." Edgeware Road. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the side-table." here and I will read it to you: "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be without a word or a look. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon horse could go." "What, then?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "My own seal." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would at my own good fortune. few hundred pounds.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from heavily into it. in his hands." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a daring than any effort of the imagination." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly bare slabs of marble. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted infinite languor in his face. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "You horrify me!" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Your sister is dead, then?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "The best possible." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I young Openshaw's." "I am armed." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the off." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my approach us with offers to donate. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in evidence," I remarked. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them you give your casting vote to?" way in everything. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I presume?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the his grey eyes. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I was certainly surprised to find you there." to surprise her." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among with her." During two years I have had three consultations and one small elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on