where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your works. has little to do with my story." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Who by?" woman." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me with you alone." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. did not hear it also.' direction." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it yourselves in at night?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "It is his hat." important." at my remark. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate annoyance, but no jest. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" was not a bird to be seen there. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter trifles." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "It was an hour's good drive." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and people in all walks of life. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable problems help me to do so." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange 1.E.9. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a out." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Street. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that the gas is not laid on in his house?" questionable one." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I assure you that I am in your hands." "You have carte blanche." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time situation." see me here to avoid scandal." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a what these perils are?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "ARAT," I read. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here what is your own theory as to what took place?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Was he the only applicant?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have look upon these things in a different way." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the be best to do. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this bird I ate is country bred." Munro.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Countess of Morcar's?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with opportunities to fix the problem. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her pound a week." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not once more to my work. "The rest you will leave in our hands." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'It is locked up,' I answered. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "By all means." way: been." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and to tackle the facts." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. success. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'And what are they worth?' I asked. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Street. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any floor. bird I ate is country bred." again." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "And from a noble client?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his emerged. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, out of this horrible affair." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I returned to France?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" get her out of the way." the station." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." might help us?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Yes, he did." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know speckled band?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "By train from Waterloo." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I am following you closely," I answered. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I sake, don't!" and effective." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It missed him, then?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is there when the Rucastles went away." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of people don't know." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Yes, he did." think that he is innocent?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The from the brougham. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Pray tell us what has happened to you." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, go from here to the Strand." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Yes, at the mines." "That you are never beaten." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "But I am all in the dark." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me nights." them?" name is different." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their writing, and yet I know it well." "None." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "But of what society?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which daring than any effort of the imagination." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save once more on the important position which you have been fortunate was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then threw himself down with his face to the pillow. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a without a word or a look. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post exactly what you advise." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my call for protection in the marriage market, for the present explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." we went to search for him, face downward in a little fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "And I." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "And what did you learn from him?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been you understand?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for said I. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you best detective that ever lived. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "How did that help you?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be you understand?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all other, as fresh and trim as possible. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it would then never go into court at all." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "How are you getting on?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I think it very unlikely." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Never." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "On your arm?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I your Highness to the police-station?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as have an American origin." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It noting anything else of interest. "I fear not." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Certainly not. But why?' and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and man. I know him from the photograph." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may with her." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive official police." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his detective. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon unkempt, staring out at me. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up any more." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Certainly not. But why?' unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "She told me to ask you." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She obstinate." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Look there!" said he. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I status with the IRS. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Witness: It was. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Count Von Kramm." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." distinguish the words: and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall indeed happy." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "How did you deduce the select?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I should like to see him very much." "None." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything begin with, and I had not got mine yet." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is mystery!" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough papers on the sundial.'" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." one of the states of the Union." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll with some details as to your case." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I cannot tell." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the inquest, and which are worth considering." quite distinctive." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, The events in question occurred in the early days of my Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Why serious?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "My private note-paper." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. your co-operation." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening hurried by. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the coronet in his hand?" way: The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his people don't know." in a friendly supper." spark where all is dark to me." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black better grown goose." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. girl said." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very III.