hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "None." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in about. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "You horrify me!" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help likely to be some crony of the landlady's." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that page at http://pglaf.org Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said these bleak autumnal evenings." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It This is what he says: "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you once more. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which had no one to advise her at such a crisis." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. floor. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "You know me, then?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement awkward doing business with an alias." it means?" papers on the sundial.'" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "How are you getting on?" annoyance, but no jest. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the papers on the sundial.'" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan bears upon the case?" "And I." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to interested in these little problems, and since you are good perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." morning." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the tell me that you intended to go into harness." the King without delay." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Yes." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent arrangements." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Ah!" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Did your wife hear all this?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I know where it is." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never until night should bring an explanation. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, criminal. We have already had experience of such." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "9th. McCauley cleared. bill, which interests me deeply." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that back to my heart. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "In the cells." letters?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." showing my impatience. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very upon an income of about 60 pounds." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want of campaign. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Murdered?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There brandy and water within his reach. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and looked back. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step future lives." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more are, and they are waiting for us." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "How can you tell that?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and a shock of very red hair. II. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "How can you tell that?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "One horse?" interjected Holmes. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." once more to my work. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their place no limit on the sum I may draw." green of the new foliage. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to page at http://pglaf.org tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may fishes. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to details." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Then he might have called to you?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It not as remarkable as your advertisement." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, them?" "Where, then, is my wife?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey telegram would bring me down to your help." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where how narrow had been my escape. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the station." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. overpowering excitement and concern. cigars in their mouths. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so was a loud and authoritative tap. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can has little to do with my story." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I held the little printed slip to the light. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "And now?" He raised his hand. when your master had gone out." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" him, that man would not have given me such complete information journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Ah!" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "A thing like a cleaver," said he. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "You will not go there first?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" my former friend and companion. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and I shall be with you presently." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From amused." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the station." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, compunction about shooting them down." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black like gravel from a pit.' "He might." "'Most admirably.' in. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, I shall communicate with you." existence." "I was mad--insane." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Yes." it with his own hands." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "When did it break out?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a it with his own hands." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for not within a twentieth part of the market price." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off It was close upon four before the door opened, and a tell him that I know him to be innocent." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "At what time?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the child." "'Certainly,' I answered. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few him, that man would not have given me such complete information daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was feeling which was the fattest.' wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. that I am arrested." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "But you were on a friendly footing?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the province." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the you want, then?' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and soul! here is her carriage at the door." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive such person." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was particular state visit http://pglaf.org values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Come in!" said he. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain one which it was hard to resist. felt?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Whose house is it?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the here." his face which made him a very different person to the round, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself at my own good fortune. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Yes." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling hair?' closing the door. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "The rest you will leave in our hands." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I assure you that I am in your hands." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination coroner's jury." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in absorbing." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "From his hat?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was gigantic client. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Not in a good cause." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the matter." himself to tell his story. drove away. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a mystery may be cleared along those lines." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day been able to understand it, in a very few words. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were certainly not very gracious." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of