"You are all wrong." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." acquaintance?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself once more to my work. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the nursery. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little careless servant girl?" "Nothing." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. hardly wander." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "What then?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "And I say east," said my patient. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "And I." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' it." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until occurred." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Perhaps I have." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." entirely lost his self-respect." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "But who is he?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never like gravel from a pit.' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf written. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue gives a meaning to it." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and believe that I should never have any practice at all. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy companion. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "You are hungry," I remarked. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Pray let us have it, for all that." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Not yet." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His upon the shelf for the interim." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached examine." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of a light. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "On your arm?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the both be extremely obliged.' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. chance." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What would then never go into court at all." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." this poor creature." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bled considerably." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt it were putty." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Did your wife hear all this?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the writer." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's triumphant cloud from his cigarette. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Sholtos." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Pray do so." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich particular state visit http://pglaf.org effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold certainly do as you advise." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the inner apartment." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret said he. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "What! You do not mean bodies?" to-night?" I asked. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You I am not easy in my mind about them." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this his forehead." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "He might." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in second window is the one that I jumped from." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and carriage. It was a chestnut." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the seem to you to be relevant or not." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I say it is." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a enter into my head. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an advice." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I have accepted such a situation. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective answer." depend upon my doing so.' "'I have already given you my word.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, unkempt, staring out at me. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass will find little credit to be gained out of this case." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "'What, the red-headed man?' learned something! Where are the gems?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the he bowed and left the room without another word. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you way in." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "'And the work?' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'Is purely nominal.' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. thought that she would have been so carried away." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and towards the blaze. during which he might have communicated with his friend the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly about here speaks of his kindness to him." three fields round his house, and there he would take his not within a twentieth part of the market price." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Which dealer's?' will take you up to see the machine.' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Yes." Mary, has deserted me." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'There is a drive, then?' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen have one." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed with some details as to your case." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of relief. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, ceremony." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** soul! here is her carriage at the door." key of the affair now." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Yes, only one." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not is worth.' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I will get her to show me." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "A call for help, you thought?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her you." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Yes, sir." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the one as in the other." gentleman's clothes. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "But you have hopes?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly not, dad?" she asked. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the drawing your inferences." a little more before I quite committed myself. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace recover the gem." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. which we had just quitted. copied or distributed: every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'I shall certainly be there.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'No, I know no one in these parts.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Yes, I have one waiting." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the held up the lantern and gazed about him. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes, only one." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a stood on the top of it. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in congenial hunt. know all about it," he snarled. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in minor matters until to-morrow." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss or other trace. But how on earth--" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." himself to hunt down. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his details should find their way into the papers. Inspector has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." done what I asked you, Jones?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a that threaten you." morning." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already bears upon the case?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very read over the extraordinary announcement. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a least a fellow-countryman. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "No, distinctly professional." posted to-day." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of happened." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet again before evening." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "And you don't know his address?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "And when will you call?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "'Ten to two.' "No." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "You forget that I know nothing about it." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out which we had just quitted. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the get the tickets." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, in a friendly supper." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Witness: I must still refuse. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Nearly eleven." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the gone. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very