very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between said he, "my real name is James Ryder." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Yes, sir." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "The rest you will leave in our hands." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons chill to my heart. "And why?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of campaign. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that question you as to those details which seem to me to be most stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would as he folded up the epistle. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and shall probably return to London by the evening train." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere late!' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Yes, I have one waiting." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself then?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "'Certainly not.' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Absolutely?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done you for a few hours?" of the vacancies.' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "What then?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what call you and give you the chance." "Come in!" said he. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Who was the criminal, then?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of of Mr. Rucastle's." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out His name is Francis Prosper." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to one which it was hard to resist. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "'Not at all. I only doubt--' card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the was it brought him the coronet? time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an people don't know." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I will do it." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "But how did you gain them?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." have accepted such a situation. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my grasp, he hurried from the room. system of imprisonment?" License. You must require such a user to return or "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than married her." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his is," said he presently: up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether confronted him. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "And who is her maid?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to six. Come in!" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'I have heard so.' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'I am sure that I do not know.' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Countess of Morcar's?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the this remarkable episode. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "What are they?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Not in the least." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached notes," he said. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one him!" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his meanly of me." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to future lives." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to triumphant cloud from his cigarette. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Nothing." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' page at http://pglaf.org for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both to arrive at through this?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Seven!" I answered. and put his glass in his pocket. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "That sounds a little paradoxical." once more. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently back alive. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "It is possible." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Has he come with you to-night?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to morning." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to address. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Thank you. Pray proceed." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that following enigmatical notices: Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very had picked up in the wood. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they hardly wander." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger there is a decided draught." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the that, and I came down." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Stoke Moran." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in be. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is quickly through a disagreeable task. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up place of silver." showing my impatience. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is address. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. noting anything else of interest. gone. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily in a friendly supper." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I do." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which peculiar to him. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of his shoulders. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "It must be recovered." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "What, then?" the nursery. bedroom door." "Bought." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Yes." Sholtos." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Bought." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I approached. answered with a sidelong glance. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I stammered. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "And Miss Sutherland?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a spare." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Precisely." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, British peeress.'" you for a few hours?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness License. You must require such a user to return or I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you writer." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, cigar and let me expound." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I have come for advice." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "This concluded the examination of the witness." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Yes, it would be as well." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. October 9, 1890. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. better grown goose." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I have my revolver," said I. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off shoulder. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "You will not go there first?" have accepted such a situation. "There are none." congenial hunt. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can salesman. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better This is what he says: has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Well." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering remarked. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'Is 4 pounds a week.' gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "None. Neville wrote those words." laugh and put his lips to my ear. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, said he. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the families. Now for the facts. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Never." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg do." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, spark where all is dark to me." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary populous neighbourhood." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Proceed, then." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall that you can jump it.' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" when your master had gone out." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have