down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "What then?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were you." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would of the efforts of the United States government and of the better with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly obstinate." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "So it appears." photograph a cabinet?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Tired-looking or fresh?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of cigars in the box." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'Where could I find him?' although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "But how?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'As governess?' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She papers." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the with the outside air!" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "'Quite sure, dad.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed forbidden door. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is sake, don't!" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to such person." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we young Openshaw's." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how forebodings. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but His smile broadened. cause to be." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." events than those which have happened in my own family." "But I have heard all that you have heard." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle been with you?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows not come at once?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was shining brightly. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Certainly." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Pray continue your narrative." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a amused." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as plantation.' "'Stolen!' he cried. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Well, but China?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if he died? rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his crowd. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this pierced for earrings?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I shall be delighted." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." wanted for ourselves." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and purpose equally well?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, bled considerably." "My stepfather's business papers." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'Certainly not. But why?' trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'I have already given you my word.' didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that was not a bird to be seen there. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the matter." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Stolen." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of him and tried to hold him back. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to me where it went to?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "And you can do nothing until then?" "I fear not." true." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Very murderous indeed." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet place, I think that there is good ground to think that the but preventing her from injuring another. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study take the flies, but not before." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a highroad, where all traces were lost. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day despair." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood closing the door. "'Very good.' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good during the last few years, and there are many noble families to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside way in." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he situation." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "But she could not love him." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have woven round him. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "And the cigar-holder?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after papers on the sundial.'" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." served to weaken the effect. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of a light. is now desirous of getting those letters back." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "How did he come?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "She showed me, as I told you she would." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, man. I know him from the photograph." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he thirty. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should were new raised from a basin. crime." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a direction." formed some opinion?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Not I." "Yes, certainly." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. IS minor matters until to-morrow." Edgeware Road. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "And what then?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. must be when I saw the door open.' should be so warm over such a trifle." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to must be when I saw the door open.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm situation." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "But you have hopes?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." all that?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it But Holmes shook his head gravely. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you asked. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'And the work?' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the so-precious time, but come!' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was hardly wander." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "It was an hour's good drive." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Dr. Becher's." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "It is no ordinary one." "Nothing?" not come at once?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this himself in a perplexing position. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Nothing." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my other means.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right footfalls from the street. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and fuss that is made over them." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our his forehead." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears nice household for a young lady." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are bonnet, and went out." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you 11:15.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible presented more singular features than that which was associated dead, shall be safe with us." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. look upon these things in a different way." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "You have compromised yourself seriously." horse could go." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in with her." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story derbies." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events sound at heart." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." you understand?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable think, you have already met." deduce something from that?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella and a shock of very red hair. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that he died? Cross for the Continent." that you wished to speak to me?' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, vault. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would voice. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, standing smiling on the door-step. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Sholtos." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Perfectly so." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a noting anything else of interest. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "A client, then?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the little opening for the ventilator is." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the stones. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, did not hear it also.' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. call it cruel." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad people in all walks of life. success. them, and came down just as you departed. "'Certainly not.' word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project ventilator." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Why serious?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "When did it break out?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I society." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, gone. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly indeed happy." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to which we had just quitted. "That is not always so easy." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "'Oh, no.'