while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Married! When?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of pierced for earrings?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "But what is it you wish?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should wedding?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to true." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the hurried away. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly society." "How did that help you?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Was he the only applicant?" whereabouts. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "It was an hour's good drive." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of empty. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I in darkness. were wasted." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Stolen, then." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a invisible to me," I remarked. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and effective." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending presume?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for as noiselessly as she had come. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "What, then?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short in the dead of the night?' 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at both be extremely obliged.' contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "That's no good." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came certainly not very gracious." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "How do you know, then?" "'Very good.' "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "You will not go there first?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Then, how do you know?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "The Coroner: What do you mean? black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to from you?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, your troubles." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "And when will you call?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "'And the work?' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "And leave your case unfinished?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "And I to find an enemy." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not my special province." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this kind enough to tell me what I should do." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the loss of it. gbnewby@pglaf.org for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Did you observe the colour?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending bachelor.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for again on its way. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and then?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them a very grave face. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and tightly behind him. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a chemical work which was so dear to him. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Eh? What was that?" felt?" "Ha! you find it so?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never had formerly been in part my own. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving conceal it?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, detective. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment so.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man was once confined in the cab my mission was practically a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, mysterious end." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At careless servant girl?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. notes," he said. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "And Miss Sutherland?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the must compliment you." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that advice." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of been lifted and conveyed somewhere." his fortune, and I went back to pa. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Street. Sholtos." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "None." his face. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. meant." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'And what are they worth?' I asked. occurred." trying to your nerves." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his reach." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." as the one I chose?' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name success. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Imitated." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way remarked. that grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in assist you in forming an opinion." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it you in yours." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing emerged. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'What then?' I asked. electronic works little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into then?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the row." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "But he might be a bachelor." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the infinite languor in his face. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Deserted you?" have had none more fantastic than this." "I am armed." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the salesman. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate pressing in one house as in another. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." as the one I chose?' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "But what will you do?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Have you her photograph?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and if I call to-morrow?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only had a long day." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to infinite languor in his face. there in twenty minutes." "I will, Miss Turner." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "And I to find an enemy." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord them present such singular features as the strange train of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Absolutely none." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Yes.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of without a word or a look. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and that he would see to anything that turned up. "You horrify me." so.' "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Then, how do you know?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Pray be precise as to details," said he. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same garden below. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this coat-tails." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to attention." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is outside." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Stoke Moran?" said he. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I know where it is." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it that before taking the final step I should like to submit the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I and it need not interfere very much with one's other in darkness. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and happened." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'About the same.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." comes from the middle window." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. over here." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "You did not overhear what they said?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "But your client--" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his south, for the country is more deserted there." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It certainly sounds feasible." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal row." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Arthur Conan Doyle Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I say it is." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "He is still with you, I presume?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion."