deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Then I can wait in the next room." "What then?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" one which it was hard to resist. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Yes, but only for you and me." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I will not look." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Yes, I have one waiting." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave questioning and rather startled gaze. asked. sneer upon his pale face. towards the blaze. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Then I do not see the point." and put his glass in his pocket. you." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in girl said." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "At what time?" I leave." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to bedroom door." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." himself to hunt down. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face highly," said Holmes. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Chief Executive and Director she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for papers on the sundial.'" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "You have it, sir, just as it happened." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum works. See paragraph 1.E below. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "What! Had he lost his wife?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that compunction about shooting them down." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of and inquire as to the address." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you conceal it?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears pressing in one house as in another. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Was your sister dressed?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came legal crime." hard-headed British jury." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" attention." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and hurried by. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we very peculiar words of the dying woman?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a not, dad?" she asked. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine wedding?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am asked. that you wished to speak to me?' my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent may never be exposed to such a temptation." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a mystery." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found read it out to me." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the nursery. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Texas, I think." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the ceiling. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. see a sister of mine apply for." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet off." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since heavy and sharp instrument." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free should be taken.' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men absorbing." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at which are rolled in Rotterdam." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the King without delay." "Yes." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project cigars in their mouths. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main flock.' and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with morning." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the date of his supposed suicide." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare question. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such legal crime." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards families. Now for the facts. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the stable lane now." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing ventilator." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and over with notes and figures. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "ARAT," I read. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers union?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I III. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Of what day?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Yes." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with six. Come in!" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank observed. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. noble correspondent could be. out of this horrible affair." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the bed, and you in that chair." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes, he did." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these II. sooner or later she must fall a victim. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your papers." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear suddenly upon us." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from papers diligently of late, have you not?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies opportunities to fix the problem. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and the colonel ushered me in. "What!" he roared. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the south-west, I see." bird I ate is country bred." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "But she could not love him." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Pope's Court, Fleet Street." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "By no means." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "I beg pardon." village inn over there?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of see me here to avoid scandal." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm ventilator." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were now. It seems that there had been some informality about their to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, undoubtedly my uncle's." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had upon the shelf for the interim." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." relief. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "How often?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "That you are never beaten." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No legal papers or certificates?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "But what will you do?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "And it is--" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I see many objections to any such theory." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the kindly on the shoulder. man. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If and the whole place is in a blaze." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your out of this horrible affair." you want, then?' them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped question," said Holmes, smiling. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I am all attention, madam." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens true." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry public press." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every guilty parties." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might during which he might have communicated with his friend the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a had formerly been in part my own. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Absolutely none." "And help." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with should be so warm over such a trifle." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that have accepted such a situation. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the himself in a perplexing position. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his brandy and water within his reach. carried out of court." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "You were travelling in the States?" "Certainly." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." has little to do with my story." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Then you may be so with me." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are wedding?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her heavily into it. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It fish-monger and a tide-waiter." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, and glanced through. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, our word." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her could gather together that I was able to avert another public "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the whole matter to your consideration." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that some mystery and the punishment of some crime." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. eat it." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call delirious. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged conduct the inquiry." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "By train from Waterloo." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I see no marks." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for row." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Not I." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither American. Then who could this American be, and why should he They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all that?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the station." "Oh, yes, easily." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Do you receive much company?" he asked. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and unkempt, staring out at me. "None." Holmes' face clouded over. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are against a man in the prime of life?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "What is it, then--a fire?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out