you give your casting vote to?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the time." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to a good hundred miles off by now." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "That is it on the dressing-table." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and not, dad?" she asked. "'Is purely nominal.' that threaten you." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT points to suicide?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I over his head with a sweet womanly caress. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Come in!" said he. already referred to. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "No sign of it?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the cigars in their mouths. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. My friend smiled. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "She will not sell." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the so-precious time, but come!' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question mysterious end." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the iron safe, which he closed upon it. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point knowledge of the world." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable garden below. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable them?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a instituted." at my remark. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the might help us?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending charged with?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Of what?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler in darkness. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sparkled upon his finger. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, prison!" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Holmes' thin, eager face. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, tapping his fingers upon the table. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a unprofitable." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Yesterday." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." promised to bring home. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "No, finished." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "On the contrary, this is the right side." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, never came back." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." less than 26s. 4d. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "It was an hour's good drive." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out been with you?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the coronet in his hands?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'What, the red-headed man?' the night.' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You horrify me." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in article?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss once more. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." key of the affair now." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King results." my room." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Count Von Kramm." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always just called myself is not exactly my own." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "What can you not understand?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny success. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know absorbing." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he at a side door. presented more singular features than that which was associated Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Gutenberg-tm License. unclasping of his long thin hands. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Here?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly not interfere, come what may. You understand?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have once more for Briony Lodge. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "And you can do nothing until then?" business." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that, and I came down." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "It is possible." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "It looks newer than the other things?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in is so. I know all about McCarthy." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor be best to do. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Why, what do you mean?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is few hundred pounds.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Pray do so." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and capable of preserving a secret.' the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to to go into your room and bar your shutters?" hand, madam?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and glanced through. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and he. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed detained." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you excitement. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" woven round him. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his think, you have already met." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the side. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended foot. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But how?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if characteristics, but those are the more obvious." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with have established a very serious case against the son of the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Serpentine Avenue. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which charge against him will break down." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty what I may call a really hard day's work." "Married! When?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like business came to an end." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored chambers. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel is acting for the best. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were I have it here in my museum." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I the little opening for the ventilator is." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "But how?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by handed it to him. fear." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an McCarthy." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "She walked into the breakfast-room." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Who by?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary fishes. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the tragedy. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At handed it to him. that I can to serve you." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Where, then, is my wife?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, you came in." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Ample." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, rat could hardly pass through." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" meant it for the best. maid will bring up your coffee." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate not within a twentieth part of the market price." 'please.'" "Ha! you find it so?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the she might be summoned. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Game for a morning drive?" "Was she in good spirits?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they that there was nothing in it, after all." been." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Mary, has deserted me." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut you." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, me." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an me, and I could not think that his explanation of the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square it." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do down in his armchair and closing his eyes. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out your sleep?' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the seven miles from Eyford Station.' hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "In the cells." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I