a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save highly," said Holmes. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, were new raised from a basin. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which shag which I had seen upon the previous night. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search whatever might befall. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" name is different." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot good for you to do.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and laid it on the table. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United to affect your life." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'What then?' I asked. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "That is easily got." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His threw himself down with his face to the pillow. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "The doctor?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, happened." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of everything which you would wish to know." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house see a sister of mine apply for." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Come in!" said he. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open signal between you and your father? Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "And who is her maid?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Then, as to money?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Did he not advertise?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a hair?' "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Pray do so." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who towards the blaze. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness case-book, which he consulted. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. that threaten you." up this clue while it is still hot." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' John Swain, of St. Augustine. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "At what time?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I am armed." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black province." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to arrangements." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that this remarkable episode. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a me have 200 pounds?' "Yes." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage is entirely a question of barometric pressure." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much yards of it?' See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Married! When?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only of the one which your family is now devouring." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I was mad--insane." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Absolutely none." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London for and were ordered to this address. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" upon the white wrist. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his heavy and sharp instrument." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I say it is." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it some mystery and the punishment of some crime." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us to-night?' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I drawing your inferences." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax leave you to your papers for a little." "And how did you find out?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by during that time.' who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "But it has twice been burgled." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and before, for it was considerably after midnight. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is colonel looking down at me. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. spare." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "No. His orders were to stay in the house." written. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "His face fell immediately. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these returned to France?" "Yes, that is the Crown." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, For additional contact information: "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and that he would see to anything that turned up. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the fled together." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that his face. You want to know what became of those geese?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. orange pips. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "It looks newer than the other things?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We all that?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, back into the street. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it him to be an active member of the medical profession." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Not in the least." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "It was an hour's good drive." "He might." seem to you to be relevant or not." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy point in the dark hollow of his hand. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm question you as to those details which seem to me to be most maiden herself was most instructive." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something 1.E.9. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no train from Paddington which would bring you there at about basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner you." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Entirely." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to strength of mind to control. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in status with the IRS. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and no precautions can guard against." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Holmes, the busybody!" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "You will not go there first?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding disturbance in my wife." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "And you thought he was pulled back?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the late!' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Did you observe the colour?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of have had none more fantastic than this." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We is worth.' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his to change my dress. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no round and wave him away like that.' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "And help." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I look dissatisfied." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "And how in the world did you find them?" "'A dozen yards or so.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "He disappeared so suddenly." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Never." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Yes, at the mines." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "No." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new But Holmes shook his head gravely. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a you want, then?' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest off." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our daring than any effort of the imagination." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Your French gold?" the warnings." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Then I shall certainly come." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Will you go?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon bell. Holmes whistled. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Have you her photograph?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that six. Come in!" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to look upon these things in a different way." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Who was the criminal, then?" constraint." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I vanished into the darkness. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "But how will you look?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "The doctor?" fait accompli?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I am all attention, madam." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "He slept on the premises." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should do you make of it all?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I see many objections to any such theory." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike any more." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of mystery." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't my friend's incisive reasoning. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project