to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless crime. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's address. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Literary Archive Foundation "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But skylight. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very his fortune, and I went back to pa. will he say when he returns?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Doctor, of the paper and the date." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two be there in time for your coming." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Then I shall certainly come." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back to a more successful conclusion." "And now?" He raised his hand. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, hardly wander." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Very truly yours, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not most interesting one." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end works. See paragraph 1.E below. them?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of open." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the prepare for the new role I have to play." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm handed it to him. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I warn you that they are very incomplete." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "That you are never beaten." never came back." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little there has been an enclosure here!" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless experiences." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the dangers which encompass me." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Yes." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no kind enough to tell me what I should do." sneer upon his pale face. "Yes, he did." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'Oh, no.' had this final quarrel? emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and remarked. "Yes, all." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. correct than the official force." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes yet." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I say that I have solved it." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, was shining brightly. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Tired-looking or fresh?" might help us?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year to that open window." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a definite end. "And help." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that husband's writing, madam." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my undoubtedly my uncle's." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no allusion to a rat. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some bearing upon the case." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the woven round him. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a bachelor.' impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the crime." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my absolutely follow my advice in every respect." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." overpowering excitement and concern. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "What have you done?" asked Holmes. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the spark where all is dark to me." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' public press." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling The police have openly confessed that they can at present make makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white passage and a tap at the door. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional once more on the important position which you have been fortunate education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon prepare for the new role I have to play." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the six. Come in!" do.' o'clock is it?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had who was a member of your goose club." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we system of imprisonment?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended power." I was concerned in it." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "You have a clue?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not once more. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Her father is very rich?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions me what he had done with the three missing stones. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I few hundred pounds.' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I assist you in forming an opinion." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would would apply.' newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' meant it for the best. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution where we are going." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into forbidden door. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Married! When?" undoubtedly my uncle's." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most to-night?" I asked. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, But Holmes shook his head gravely. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "No. His orders were to stay in the house." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this key of the affair now." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of despaired of." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to to surprise her." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened head. So long, then!" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any second window is the one that I jumped from." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." maiden herself was most instructive." the window, rose as we entered. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the nursery. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it himself. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "How on earth--" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very License. You must require such a user to return or "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be straighten it?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Awake, Watson?" he asked. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, handed it to him. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's province." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "A greater distance to travel." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. said he. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my always that they were such commands as a lady might with formed some opinion?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle in his power. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and suddenly upon us." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'Quite sure, dad.' unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Won't it ring?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to in. shall use the carriage to-night." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "That sounds a little paradoxical." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'Very good.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Yes." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Do you know him?" http://www.gutenberg.net "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be had formerly been in part my own. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "And how did he make his money?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was help us in this matter." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should there were so many in the whole country as were brought together go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." that?' I approached. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." heavily into it. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." comes from the middle window." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Then the page we have seen--" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One disappearance of these gems?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Yes, from Horsham." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary eat it." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Her father is very rich?" present." of this gang." indiscretion." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And what did you see?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of presume?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, nonsense.' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Won't it ring?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "You heard nothing yourself last night?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations my special province." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "To an end?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' house for five minutes.' loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Pray do so." posted to-day." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland for the market.' "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the presented more singular features than that which was associated belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father said I. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Whose house is it?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of