are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." is worth.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the other, as fresh and trim as possible. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my in the hope of finding them." the coronet in his hand?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Now, then, what's the last entry?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I cannot tell." to arrive at through this?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small his face which made him a very different person to the round, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my said he. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And your most interesting statement." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'I shall certainly be there.' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." meant." "Very truly yours, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was me have 200 pounds?' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And how in the world did you find them?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Did he not advertise?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure to a more successful conclusion." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "No." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I leaning back in his chair. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check families. Now for the facts. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Sutherland?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "But of what society?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "None." of your young ladies.' significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "And how did you verify them?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through morning." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I cannot imagine." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "9th. McCauley cleared. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" meant it for the best. "I beg pardon." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where three of the beryls in it, was missing. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." investigation." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped 11:15.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which possible that we could bring him back to her? do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' minor matters until to-morrow." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in my secret was safe in his possession. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the ceiling. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "That is possible." call for it in person on Monday morning.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. in the port of London." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project yet." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "No." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the south, for the country is more deserted there." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this empty. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I will do it." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "No more words. Get out!" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers have not had my rubber." "'There is a drive, then?' "Oh, fresh and glossy." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "I cannot imagine." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the not within a twentieth part of the market price." DAMAGE. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my started for the Temple to see my husband. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "And how did he make his money?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he papers." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'In my own bureau.' practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as presume?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin developed." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "It must be recovered." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss time." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for to a more successful conclusion." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and should be so warm over such a trifle." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and giving me time to thank him. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I all?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his your billet.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I cannot imagine." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, was already answered. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which see me here to avoid scandal." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. bears upon the case?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, believe that I should never have any practice at all. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." figure." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in during which he might have communicated with his friend the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Holmes' thin, eager face. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears to-night?' the dangers which encompass me." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, hurried by. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Oh, yes, easily." bill, which interests me deeply." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." approach us with offers to donate. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of was keenly on my guard against him. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could politicians who had been sent down from the North. the inner apartment." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a within hail.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a it." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I will do it." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to within hail.' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the back into the street. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely official police." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "In which, sir?" chamber." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "'Yes, sir.' his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do crime. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Yes, sir." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the Friday. Was it to be in church?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "What then?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a unprecedented a position." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "None." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting you." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." hour?' "Yes, at the mines." "I have seen the police." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Yes." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "One horse?" interjected Holmes. to change my dress. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon *** START: FULL LICENSE *** He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to do.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not really the only notable feature about the thing." you came in." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." have not had my rubber." becomes even more simple." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the clang of the bell. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting in darkness. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his is," said he presently: "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "It came here." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural results." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 went to the Alpha were town bred." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." where we are going." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to jewels which you have stolen?' last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across there when the Rucastles went away." is so. I know all about McCarthy." delirious. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his chance." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You horrify me!" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you door?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "But what is it you wish?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." girl said." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned helping a boy to put up the shutters. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he morning." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, was not a bird to be seen there. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to as noiselessly as she had come. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as kindly on the shoulder. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and where she found matters as described by the last witness. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who and looked back. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest way in everything. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Why that?' I asks. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last question," said Holmes, smiling. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought washing it down with a long draught of water. not come at once?" "Entirely." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Yes." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a too. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Holmes, the busybody!" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Yes." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now point in the dark hollow of his hand. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found