grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the if she died from some sudden fright." His smile broadened. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I never have." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to 11:15.' some city in a dream. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the date of his supposed suicide." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over characteristics, but those are the more obvious." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow instituted." of receipt of the work. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and call it cruel." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." nonsense.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, away into the river." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Why? What do you mean?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Eyford at 11:15.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. then?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about guilty parties." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'Certainly,' I answered. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a here and I will read it to you: Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Not social, then?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third affair. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet a little more before I quite committed myself. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always questioning and rather startled gaze. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the she used." keep the flames under. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to and the whole place is in a blaze." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I six. Come in!" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the results." skylight. Lee, in the county of Kent." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should new acquaintance to Baker Street. "And you don't know his address?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him views." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "There is the writing." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I think that it is very probable." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "And what did you see?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then, as to money?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "It is half-past ten now." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But his left-handedness." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock depend upon your compliance." Sutherland. o'clock is it?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "But how did you gain them?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the woven round him. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your attention." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" as noiselessly as she had come. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a village inn over there?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "It surprised me." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend taking in every detail of the apartment. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'Which dealer's?' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to where Mr. Fordham shows you.' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that I can to serve you." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "They are typewritten," I remarked. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man villagers almost as much as their master. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Then, how do you know?" "Can I be of assistance?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds way in everything. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "That is possible." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Your presence might be invaluable." opened the door, and slipped through. is worth.' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the bottom.' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no touch that coronet?' daring than any effort of the imagination." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered chill to my heart. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Well." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Yes, only one." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "The murder was done with it." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. later, upon the night of May 2nd." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Just look it up, then." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood who was a member of your goose club." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank records." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied skylight. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I beg pardon." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me strong reason behind." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it him, that man would not have given me such complete information conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few written. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had hard-headed British jury." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in an introduction to him?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification garden below. page at http://pglaf.org great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and I shall be with you presently." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life question you as to those details which seem to me to be most pierced for earrings?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "How did you deduce the select?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I do." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Not yet." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall purpose equally well?" "Thank you. And your address?" conclusions. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." upon the sideboard." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, have established a very serious case against the son of the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, felt?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the I am not easy in my mind about them." article?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long of a light. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in question. "No." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'I am sure if I had known--' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and retorted upon me, and I on you." that, and I came down." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent ceremony." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be examination of the premises, but without finding anything which though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the King without delay." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, business at Coburg Square is serious." of receipt of the work. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "And that is--" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very so far?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." could not have written that. It is the German who is so waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that was a perfect sample of the class. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'And what salary do you ask?' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may woman." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought astonishment. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Dark enough and sinister enough." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three goes." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us orange pips. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional you." me where it went to?"