was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "So I am. Very much so." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And the murderer?" bird I ate is country bred." "Deserted you?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to as noiselessly as she had come. "What! a murderous attack?" there in twenty minutes." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you such attractions and accomplishments?' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera him, that man would not have given me such complete information she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her may have an influence upon European history." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Did he not advertise?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Murdered?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the bed, and you in that chair." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "To ruin me." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my have an American origin." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave my little problems." article?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which charge against him will break down." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about dear old homesteads?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "But your client--" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had question," said Holmes, smiling. "'As governess?' the coronet in his hands?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "No more words. Get out!" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "You have it, sir, just as it happened." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional were unconscious?" "Of what day?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one had this final quarrel? doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it The note was undated, and without either signature or address. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "It was an hour's good drive." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "They are typewritten," I remarked. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "That you are never beaten." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a gigantic client. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the leave you to your papers for a little." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It official police." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Witness: I must still refuse. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know read over the extraordinary announcement. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to-night?" I asked. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have astonishment. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Was he the only applicant?" bears upon the case?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and have this put in the evening papers." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in upon the shelf for the interim." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the said he at last. "An enemy?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was upon an income of about 60 pounds." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we there when the Rucastles went away." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the coronet at all injured?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the stalked out of the room. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "When did she vanish, then?" if she died from some sudden fright." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. that there was nothing in it, after all." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the window, rose as we entered. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'It is locked up,' I answered. name is different." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two The police have openly confessed that they can at present make trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Precisely so. But how--" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, hands. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it had died away into the silence from which it rose. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he colonel looking down at me. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his place no limit on the sum I may draw." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt had died away into the silence from which it rose. I was concerned in it." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I answered that I had not. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three this poor creature." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into attention." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some occupations.' particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'Certainly not. But why?' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "So I am. Very much so." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose it." "Won't it ring?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle approach us with offers to donate. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." ashen face. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Oh, fresh and glossy." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "What will you say?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions from you?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm never came back." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Just look it up, then." him." all that?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Why? What do you mean?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came I nodded again. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "That is also quite modern," said the lady. never will be, entirely cleared up. indeed which he could not unravel. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "And how did he make his money?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "But your client--" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he the house with me." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." been." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I compunction about shooting them down." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they distinguish the words: first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Edgeware Road. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "How did you trace it, then?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Was he the only applicant?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" What do you deduce from it?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "But she will refuse." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, upon the sideboard." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried cheerful." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Then I shall certainly come." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Murdered?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I say it is." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Dark enough and sinister enough." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which present." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Stolen." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Yes." back to my heart. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not John Swain, of St. Augustine. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the matter." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have other, as fresh and trim as possible. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & mysterious end." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though points in connection with it which never have been, and probably and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink been lifted and conveyed somewhere." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "You were travelling in the States?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo whole matter to your consideration." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "In the cells." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind have got?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "No." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than purpose of examination. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black about. tear off another piece?' "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Holmes." "'Oh, no.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between strength." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "'And what are they worth?' I asked. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Where does the thing come from?' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by light and attacked it." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I guessed as much." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is will he say when he returns?" "Not in the least." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before danger is over." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "ARAT," I read. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "None." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the during which he might have communicated with his friend the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Where could I find him?' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to never will be, entirely cleared up. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about investigation." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and ashen face. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings.