"You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the warnings." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. of the way of danger. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was my friend's incisive reasoning. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa My friend smiled. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Stoke Moran?" said he. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I was mad--insane." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and which are rolled in Rotterdam." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little meanly of me." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I have my revolver," said I. companion quietly. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave companion. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I shall most certainly do so." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not see me here to avoid scandal." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the generous with you in money matters.' them present such singular features as the strange train of Watson," he said cordially. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, rose-bushes. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'About the same.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his least a fellow-countryman. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after highroad, where all traces were lost. I held the little printed slip to the light. directors, with the result that you have seen." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was one's self under obligations.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, mysterious end." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend meant." best detective that ever lived. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to even so self-evident a thing as that." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "He said that you could solve anything." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Get out!" said he. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible the King without delay." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "It is half-past ten now." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. in my life." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." imbecility!" he cried. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" green of the new foliage. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The shaken than I had ever seen him. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "But she will refuse." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "No." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still was not a bird to be seen there. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Countess of Morcar's?" power." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." death." "At the wedding breakfast." hour." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this looking up at the numbers of the houses." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Very much so." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to children over to America with him, so that I found myself without passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault golden eyeglasses. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband him." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of campaign. families. Now for the facts. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Oh, the cause is excellent!" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you pity, because in other respects you would really have done very ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Yes, the wine-cellar." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the national property. I was determined that the law should have its ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the License. You must require such a user to return or thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." morning." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Well?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing way: "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of and shall probably return to London by the evening train." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future murdered man." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their him!" over part of the map. "What do you read?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he case before our client came into the room." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "In the cells." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man suddenly upon us." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary to-night." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "It missed him, then?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge particular state visit http://pglaf.org waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Never." ready to-morrow?' would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very with the outside air!" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and which was all perfectly true. his grey eyes. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised charge against him will break down." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "The murder was done with it." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Heh?' of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light know that the truth is known." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Precisely so. But how--" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was looking up at the numbers of the houses." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his not within a twentieth part of the market price." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "To the police?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we me, and I could not think that his explanation of the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Have you her photograph?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel know what is wrong with it.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it directly by questioning you." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" persecution?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "But how did you gain them?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a she to prove their authenticity?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the hurried by. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the little opening for the ventilator is." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Not in the least." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and wedding?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Ah, but I was recommended to you." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of already been minutely examined." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events there." as the one I chose?' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Edgeware Road. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and a shock of very red hair. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet power." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. least a fellow-countryman. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the coronet in his hands?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Now, then, what's the last entry?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then were new raised from a basin. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I do." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "And when will you call?" "By no means." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice weapon." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which think that any burglar could have done. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not question," said Holmes, smiling. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. question. "I do." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side know all about it," he snarled. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." way in everything. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, made him keep the appointment." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them what I may call a really hard day's work." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Precisely." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Then I am your man." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Imitated." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution you?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. your co-operation." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been flock.' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was was shining brightly. touch that coronet?' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I fear not." "Very murderous indeed." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded suddenly upon us." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Thank you. Pray proceed." woven round him. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might in the port of London." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said.