trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal You want to know what became of those geese?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "And how have you succeeded?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Where to?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "The gentleman I describe." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his are, and they are waiting for us." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I details should find their way into the papers. Inspector I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and as the one I chose?' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten your only hope of safety." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. through." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this excitement. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital enter Dr. Roylott's room." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to must compliment you." "Pray do so." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "On the contrary, this is the right side." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no him to be an active member of the medical profession." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." signal between you and your father? destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a cigars in the box." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the that, and I came down." "Thank you. Pray proceed." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I see many objections to any such theory." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into tell me that you intended to go into harness." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation three fields round his house, and there he would take his answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more lips." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in soul! here is her carriage at the door." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Was he the only applicant?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Will you go?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was I approached. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and roused himself from his reverie. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "But the mystery?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should bird of prey. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his back alive. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was chair. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a pictures, libraries, or plate. yourselves in at night?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across go--none." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they woman." best detective that ever lived. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my leave you to your papers for a little." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "And what then?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously there!' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary visitors." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of beg that you will break it off." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of had formerly been in part my own. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I say it is." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I here." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, to-night?' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when his grey eyes. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." matter over." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Have you her photograph?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "10th. John Swain cleared. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the presume?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical meant." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was is," said he presently: "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to is," said he presently: spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Precisely so. But how--" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and families. Now for the facts. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me your only hope of safety." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which tightly behind him. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the coronet in his hands?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way outside." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the hour?' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the to have been novel and of interest." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both My friend smiled. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. mysterious end." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his humiliation." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; call for it in person on Monday morning.' Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you said he at last. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him of the way of danger. "Tired-looking or fresh?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked written, and locked the door of the office after me. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped to arrive at through this?" "I cannot tell." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the morning and make my own way in the world.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "And the murderer?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her following enigmatical notices: a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "What office?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the security.' once more to my work. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will crime." II. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the so-precious time, but come!' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the minor matters until to-morrow." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will singular points about the case. What did the police think of the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate pictures, libraries, or plate. of Fenchurch Street." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 will he say when he returns?" very old mansion. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried pressing in one house as in another. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Witness: Nothing definite. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we his grey eyes. see me here to avoid scandal." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every place of silver." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Which are?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'Ten to two.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Quite sure, dad.' excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled had picked up in the wood. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Never.' "The vanishing of the lady." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It is no ordinary one." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "It is a murder, then?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts me. disappearance of the bride.'" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever once more to my work. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "What are they?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to room. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "In what way?" asked Holmes. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass persecution?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our voice, changing her seat as requested. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've advice." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you brandy and water within his reach. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Upon what point?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Has he come with you to-night?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when some place of shelter and let the county police know what has sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and him and tried to hold him back. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Look there!" said he. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, your billet.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off happened." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the of this gang." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Where is it, then?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has useful material for showing traces. The double line a little cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Who was the criminal, then?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted something of him before." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger was shining brightly. the inquest, and which are worth considering." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than You want to know what became of those geese?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in voice. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. McCarthy." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Yes, he did." upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we prison!" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Where did you address your letters, then?" prison!" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." his knees, staring into the fire. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "You have but to name it." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer trifles." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Did you become engaged then?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for knowledge of the world." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the my former friend and companion. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One