not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" have I gained?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I have come for advice." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Eyford." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "But you were on a friendly footing?" confronted him. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian some terrible trap for her." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only if I call to-morrow?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Certainly." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." highly," said Holmes. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Never." be best to do. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Serpentine Avenue. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project which was all perfectly true. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." would apply.' "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety case before our client came into the room." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for John Swain, of St. Augustine. "How often?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I one of the states of the Union." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss enter Dr. Roylott's room." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. father's young wife. "I came to find a friend." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: be sorry for having acted so harshly." "There are none." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss success. my former friend and companion. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and the colonel ushered me in. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and tell him that I know him to be innocent." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand him, that man would not have given me such complete information near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook said he at last. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Mary, has deserted me." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." walking." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the compunction about shooting them down." "Yes, but only for you and me." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, shoulder. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sholtos." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Have you good authority for what you say?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'Yes, I promise.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Why, what do you mean?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence I took the paper from him and read as follows: you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits despair." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Lee, in the county of Kent." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "How do you know, then?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my than to us. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "That is possible." present." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with would then never go into court at all." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then used to be." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over joking. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and too. such person." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who were wasted." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "And how in the world did you find them?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I know where it is." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I say that I have solved it." way in." imbecility!" he cried. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his face and glided from the room. of campaign. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "And why?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Can I be of assistance?" undoubtedly my uncle's." "Where, then, is my wife?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal guilty parties." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; strength of mind to control. I have it here in my museum." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms one's self under obligations.' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "In the cells." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "How are you getting on?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you prisoner's face. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Stoke Moran?" said he. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are you." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the charge against him will break down." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open as the one I chose?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her door?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to words came to my lips. "You think that he is dead?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his answered with a sidelong glance. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Yes, sir." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the wife's character?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in It was close upon four before the door opened, and a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the this remarkable episode. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Very truly yours, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a most interesting one." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "But you have hopes?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with chamber." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside hurried away. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk back to my heart. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "So it appears." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" crime. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Stolen!' he cried. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And your father? Did you tell him?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all companion. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'Entirely.' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the for and were ordered to this address. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the address that was given us in the advertisement. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Why did you beat the pavement?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "But I am all in the dark." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that that he will be back before evening." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Breckinridge is his name." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Where did he live, then?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it rat could hardly pass through." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. depend upon my doing so.' "Well, some hundreds of times." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and criminal. We have already had experience of such." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I himself to tell his story. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a for securing the situation." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "None. Neville wrote those words." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than late." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt as noiselessly as she had come. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "My photograph." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, that?' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and gentleman's clothes. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Holmes' face clouded over. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be morning." coroner's jury." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Yes." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you hour." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, comes from the middle window." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor works. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I think that it is very probable." infinite languor in his face. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its conduct the inquiry." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That It was close upon four before the door opened, and a possible that we could bring him back to her? your room." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Literary Archive Foundation 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, where we are going." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. problems help me to do so." third from London." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, like that before?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the south-west, I see." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. But Holmes shook his head gravely. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better within hail.' must be when I saw the door open.' fuss that is made over them." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? that I can to serve you." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have established a very serious case against the son of the