extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to closing the door. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In all-comprehensive glances. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "But what harm can there be in that?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of the efforts of the United States government and of the better sufficient punishment." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "That sounds a little paradoxical." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late of a light. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you signal between you and your father? Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "But how did you gain them?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my returning from some small jollification and was making his way "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should pierced for earrings?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce thirty. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so side. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'You cannot say what it was?' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with breakfast." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the strong and stiff." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Then you may entirely rely on me." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, mystery." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear bill, which interests me deeply." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident following enigmatical notices: do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, woven round him. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern weighed down with some great anxiety. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Do you know him?" "You horrify me!" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "The doctor?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "I will try. What is it?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of fait accompli?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a breakfast?" him!" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and the whole place is in a blaze." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to developed." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a some terrible trap for her." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in know that the truth is known." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford events, Mr. Windibank!" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the long narrative. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this throat." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "'About the same.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little most important business. It is probable that he will be away all ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and once more. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just again, where I was soon asleep. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "My Mary? Impossible!" humiliation." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon advice." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very a very grave face. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or attention." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only prove to be little relation between the different incidents of heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted annoyance, but no jest. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was yourselves in at night?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "And how did you find out?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "It is very kind of you." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I should be immensely obliged to you." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Mary, has deserted me." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes, the wine-cellar." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." cheerful." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent public press." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are depend upon my doing so.' "10th. John Swain cleared. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side taking in every detail of the apartment. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done intimate personal affairs in this public manner." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from out of this horrible affair." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the emerged. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We at my own good fortune. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He His name is Francis Prosper." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. legal crime." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the gentleman's clothes. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Look there!" said he. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their placed his cuttings. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Here?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes was used.' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'And what salary do you ask?' forebodings. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by have got?" "Could he throw no light?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the devil!" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in wedding?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a you want, then?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Yes, it would be as well." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I straighten it?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do disappearance of these gems?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Was he the only applicant?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "On your arm?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Why, what do you mean?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me visitors." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, as he folded up the epistle. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Nor running a chance of arrest?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "What do you mean?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his whereabouts. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Countess of Morcar's?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he way in." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Yes, I promise.' "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might knowledge of the world." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution be best to do. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "I know where it is." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong The events in question occurred in the early days of my With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "It came here." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he without a word or a look. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'Then let me do so?' "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six union?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what memory. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the Friday. Was it to be in church?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to in this way: asked. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that photograph?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new arrangements." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave habit of advancing money.' a little more before I quite committed myself. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "And how in the world did you find them?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "You are all wrong." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now nothing of it?" our word." "Then you may entirely rely on me." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I have solved it." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so learned something! Where are the gems?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It three fields round his house, and there he would take his we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" golden eyeglasses. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Has he come with you to-night?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. have an American origin." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking my secret was safe in his possession. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Perhaps I have." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Eyford at 11:15.' "How often?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he you understand?" advice." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as even so self-evident a thing as that." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put take the flies, but not before." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. your equipment. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the to a light-house. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin already been minutely examined." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without into her hand at the door and which lured her within their and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us you want, then?' extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My always that they were such commands as a lady might with could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the could gather together that I was able to avert another public "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to talk it over. "Perhaps I have." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a