poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Ha! you find it so?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this and that he would see to anything that turned up. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'I have heard so.' passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I am about to be married." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew question. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Again Holmes raved in the air. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as floor. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Who was the criminal, then?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'Never,' said I. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church salesman. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the during that time.' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Certainly." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and your relations to her." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a My friend smiled. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "She told me to ask you." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I cannot tell." province." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. unprecedented a position." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "One?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is manager. the south-west, I see." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Pray let us have it, for all that." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Pope's Court. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in had formerly been in part my own. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to where he stood hid behind the curtain. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the bell. Holmes whistled. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." yet." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "And you can do nothing until then?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "How about poison?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the is so. I know all about McCarthy." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. a suggestive one." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the tragedy. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior advice." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as future lives." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is is so. I know all about McCarthy." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each locked. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, must compliment you." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more away to you." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such your co-operation." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in long narrative. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the weary and pale-looking. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission when your master had gone out." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would absorbing." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "What have you to say now?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project gbnewby@pglaf.org used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His without success. At last the little money which I had saved began it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a call it cruel." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend which we had just quitted. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Yes." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if morning." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether his eyes and forehead. envelope. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "I shall most certainly do so." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and washing it down with a long draught of water. voice, changing her seat as requested. "Always." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in fattened it expressly for you.' though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Then I shall certainly come." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in shall use the carriage to-night." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Your French gold?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You saw the ventilator, too?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some whatever might befall. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter before the coroner and the police-court." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the there!' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, garden below. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Who was the criminal, then?" be.' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "And how?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "She will not sell." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Eyford." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps hereditary King of Bohemia." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did thin legs towards the fire. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far wedding?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the hurried away. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. will take you up to see the machine.' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'What, the red-headed man?' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Farm upon the left." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to point our research must commence, and we will begin it by parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his presented more singular features than that which was associated awkward doing business with an alias." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "She told me to ask you." your sleep?' "So I heard. You have him here?" it with his own hands." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the character. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "That also I could fathom." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw followed. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "If so, much may have happened between." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice this remarkable episode. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "I assure you that I am in your hands." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what yards of it?' only touch the interest." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being not fit the lock." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I who was a member of your goose club." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to take care of herself." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull of receipt of the work. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be get her out of the way." Chief Executive and Director than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" sneer upon his pale face. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "No." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora whether it answered to the description of any of their frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fishes. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect wanted for ourselves." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have his forehead." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of of your young ladies.' into the room. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll hair?' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of and your relations to her." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him thought that she would have been so carried away." vault. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, brandy and water within his reach. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you people don't know." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said gone. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is chambers. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I leave." "You horrify me!" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the salesman. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. annoyance, but no jest. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as thirty. "I am sure." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the notes," he said. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax chemical work which was so dear to him. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect putting in the horse. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Dark enough and sinister enough." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the Assizes." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" woman." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so overpowering excitement and concern. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." it. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Again Holmes raved in the air. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his business came to an end." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "A thing like a cleaver," said he. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Frequently." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Watson," he said cordially. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "No. What a strange idea!" into the room. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted already been minutely examined." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Never to return." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal pictures, libraries, or plate. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I approached. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my was shining brightly. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and least a most suspicious remark." union?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual with you alone." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine crime. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a fasten all the windows?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Street. side. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the crime. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "I was sure that I might rely on you." the coronet at all injured?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Holmes. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and weigh very heavily upon my conscience."