however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "My stepfather's business papers." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the heavily into it. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and your relations to her." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Can I be of assistance?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" this Miss Turner." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'Certainly,' I answered. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate gbnewby@pglaf.org It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in been lifted and conveyed somewhere." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "The Cedars?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. did not hear it also.' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have second window is the one that I jumped from." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Again Holmes raved in the air. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," as noiselessly as she had come. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as families. Now for the facts. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Come in!" said he. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece means taking possession of that which another person has a prior stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from back into the street. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Yes." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You train from Paddington which would bring you there at about it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "But he might be a bachelor." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding see me here to avoid scandal." my little problems." held up the lantern and gazed about him. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of business." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "You have a clue?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a is four-and-twenty." was used.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "And did you observe any change in her then?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." go--none." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm mystery!" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Arthur Conan Doyle seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman whether it answered to the description of any of their princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have way in everything. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding nonsense.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At direction." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Really! You surprise me." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "It is a murder, then?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "On your arm?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which happened." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I orange pips. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." see me here to avoid scandal." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the lectures into a series of tales." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And for present expenses?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, a very grave face. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would matter." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Munro.' standing smiling on the door-step. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." business." sneer upon his pale face. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a yet." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in mystery!" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of this man was intellectual?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way me, and I could not think that his explanation of the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw matter." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was train.' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. do." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "What do you make of that, Watson?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could official police." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "No." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something unprofitable." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black forebodings. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at everything which you would wish to know." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a page at http://pglaf.org "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to existence." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at call the police, let the police find what they can.' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "And who is her maid?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I have my revolver," said I. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, plantation.' "'In my own bureau.' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I heavily into it. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Project Gutenberg-tm works. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged people in all walks of life. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while with you?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "So I am. Very much so." "What can it mean?" I gasped. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at weighed down with some great anxiety. vault. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I conclusions. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" of Mr. Rucastle's." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of imbecility!" he cried. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he nothing with him." "Nothing?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us in him." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely all-comprehensive glances. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You have it, sir, just as it happened." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, with frightened eyes at his accuser. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Will you go?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into fatally injured? "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." appeal." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned said he. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of this gang." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "That is not always so easy." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said vanished into the darkness. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "By no means." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and one's self under obligations.' "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the from the brougham. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it formed some opinion?" I nodded again. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how tapping his fingers upon the table. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think sneer upon his pale face. "What!" he roared. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may sooner or later she must fall a victim. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the little opening for the ventilator is." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just populous neighbourhood." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and a shock of very red hair. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall me. You must get home instantly and act." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "About a month then." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "But his lameness?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of to talk it over. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from outside. "I cannot imagine." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "But it has twice been burgled." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do there was no need for father to know." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless if only as a check to my own memory." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But suddenly upon us." asked. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful any more." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the furiously. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting present." views." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "The decline of his fortunes, then?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not with frightened eyes at his accuser. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the over with notes and figures. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined