"You know me, then?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and the ceiling. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Did you observe the colour?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with bill, which interests me deeply." of it with the greatest attention. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Then, how do you know?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "You know me, then?" go--none." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and my room." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have investigation." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Holmes' thin, eager face. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in which was all perfectly true. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their I nodded again. and put his glass in his pocket. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked instituted." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then highroad, where all traces were lost. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'No, I know no one in these parts.' assist you in forming an opinion." "You have the photograph?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with details." all-comprehensive glances. deduce something from that?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Entirely." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "You were travelling in the States?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I was mad--insane." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Well, but China?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of to-night?' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "ARAT," I read. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should such person." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as begin with, and I had not got mine yet." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "It came here." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. at a side door. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall cause to be." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and for and were ordered to this address. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "'It is locked up,' I answered. galvanised. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the strength of mind to control. page at http://pglaf.org which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the upon an income of about 60 pounds." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a words came to my lips. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know American. Then who could this American be, and why should he evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a quick march!" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover mystery." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "What, then?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, your sleep?' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in fact, we may call it conclusive." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with wedding?" chair. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared definite end. might have a private word with us. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and October 9, 1890. situation." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a it." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few was the fact that his father should, according to his account, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white pictures, libraries, or plate. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen matter over." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Certainly, madam." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it following enigmatical notices: the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. him. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Mary, has deserted me." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "No, I had a dozen." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "But how?" "Did you observe the colour?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain standing smiling on the door-step. "'Stolen!' he cried. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the bed, and you in that chair." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime cigar and let me expound." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sufficient punishment." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one what do you think they found in the pockets?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "And I say east," said my patient. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I answered that I had not. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." a monotonous occupation." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Yes, but only for you and me." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly had a long day." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal for the market.' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I think that it is very probable." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Yes." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. money should be paid at once.' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I will not look." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to disturbance in my wife." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Nearly eleven." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a some water from a caraffe. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his never will be, entirely cleared up. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "You are hungry," I remarked. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really have been better. It is all right." handed it to him. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." that you can jump it.' "You think that he is dead?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, 11:15.' swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the never will be, entirely cleared up. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Mrs. Toller serenely. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'Yes, sir.' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I should be immensely obliged to you." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through said I. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying shall not find me ungrateful." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of upon the sideboard." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. minor matters until to-morrow." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, crowd. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "What steps will you take?" I asked. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men comes from the middle window." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to just called myself is not exactly my own." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my it means?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his hair?' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the anything to do with the matter?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the nursery. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been over with notes and figures. one of them." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." nothing with him." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from hands. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "What of the rat, then?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Precisely." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "When did it break out?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which to-morrow." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was telegram would bring me down to your help." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner pictures, libraries, or plate. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I some place of shelter and let the county police know what has is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door was it brought him the coronet? future lives." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does electronic works "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "What I expected to see." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. happened." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and will be renamed. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "That also I could fathom." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I am to be neutral?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he purpose of examination. "Here?" was a lad." "What?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched in darkness. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Leadenhall Street--and--" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I have solved it." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have voice, changing her seat as requested. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to affect your life." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I am in hopes that she does." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by chill to my heart. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I don't believe it." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "How did he come?" child?' colour had been driven from his face. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much is four-and-twenty." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he tail." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Look there!" said he. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to brandy and water within his reach. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Yes, he did." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had