said he, "my real name is James Ryder." I held the little printed slip to the light. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." his huge brown hands. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, 1.F. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'About the same.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and all of them with the keenest interest. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the them, and came down just as you departed. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that but preventing her from injuring another. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Your sister is dead, then?" 1.F. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Is purely nominal.' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to fatally injured? sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Witness: It was. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project vague figure huddled up in the darkness. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman together. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It was a confession," I ejaculated. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill your only hope of safety." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled notes," he said. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'Yes.' "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the of it with the greatest attention. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Pray be precise as to details," said he. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There written, and locked the door of the office after me. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, ordinary clothes on?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while me. read over the extraordinary announcement. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "What is it?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the is acting for the best. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'You cannot say what it was?' gives a meaning to it." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with whole matter to your consideration." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger distance from the station, and there we found the young lady your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Yes." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you then?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really it." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." your Highness to the police-station?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence already been minutely examined." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide had a long day." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the warnings." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can brandy and water within his reach. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and on re-entering her father's house?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, less than 26s. 4d. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour it with his own hands." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the was a lad." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. purpose of examination. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Very well, sir. And this stone?" as this. Pray let me have the details." "I have hopes." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and But Holmes shook his head gravely. gentleman's clothes. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "The Cedars?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first 1.F. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' fasten all the windows?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. waste of energy." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and laid it on the table. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and your relations to her." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to giving me time to thank him. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong must compliment you." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Perfectly so." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Yes, he did." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "No, my brougham is waiting." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'Ten to two.' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to of receipt of the work. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad as the one I chose?' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary were unconscious?" Serpentine Avenue. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project The summons was a brief and urgent one. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? right! Sit down and let us talk it over." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing been able to understand it, in a very few words. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and never came back." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted door?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it through." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "He said that you could solve anything." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. individual and becomes the badge of a society." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all details should find their way into the papers. Inspector we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a with her." in a friendly supper." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even in. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Ah, but I was recommended to you." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as lectures into a series of tales." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is she to prove their authenticity?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet felt?" "I am following you closely," I answered. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have there were one or two details which were new to me. But the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a and glanced through. look dissatisfied." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was nonsense.' been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as shag which I had seen upon the previous night. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I case-book, which he consulted. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Yes." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. allusion to a rat. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should meant." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I am armed." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "By no means." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Well?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen London for the present?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my there." correct than the official force." nights." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little McCarthy." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. daring than any effort of the imagination." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "So I heard. You have him here?" present." key of the affair now." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged me upon any point which I do not make clear." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or father's place of business?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "And is that all?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in go back?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and prosperity to your house. Good-night." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "On Monday." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. national property. I was determined that the law should have its eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But how did you gain them?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss letters?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Were they all fastened this morning?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I am sure." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had cause to be." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he opened the door, and slipped through. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Yes." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Because he was handy and would come cheap." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the did not hear it also.' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Why serious?" you came in." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "He said too much." wife's character?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "It came here." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his future lives." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "But your client--" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or answered with a sidelong glance. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "That is it on the dressing-table." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the think you a quite exceptional woman." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at to affect your life." the one as in the other." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Pray do so." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "And leave your case unfinished?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the your room." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and words came to my lips. I nodded to show that I had heard. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "To an English lawyer named Norton."