"The doctors examined her for it, but without success." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the my little problems." events, Mr. Windibank!" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement opened the door, and slipped through. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of was not a bird to be seen there. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's colour had been driven from his face. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Well, it is a possible supposition." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with brandy and water within his reach. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing in this way: place of silver." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "In heaven's name, what for?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "And now?" I asked. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Witness: Nothing definite. "I am following you closely," I answered. recover the gem." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought to that open window." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect indeed happy." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure 11:15.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself IS Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" a suggestive one." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It little adventures." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Yes, it was twisted." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me bedroom door." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I would give my fortune to have them back." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in she might be summoned. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement said he at last. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Leadenhall Street--and--" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "And how did you find out?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue words came to my lips. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down side. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always be. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the would apply.' inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the could not have written that. It is the German who is so member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Won't it ring?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Here?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For bill, which interests me deeply." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the so.' thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to arrangements." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the there was no need for father to know." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, your billet.' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite paper in the air. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had once more on the important position which you have been fortunate defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Then, how do you know?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Could he throw no light?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed secret." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch at a side door. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the was it brought him the coronet? of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards there was no need for father to know." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "The knees of his trousers." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" with the outside air!" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Sutherland?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Then, as to money?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the closely." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "No." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "But I have heard all that you have heard." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached system of imprisonment?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and my friend's incisive reasoning. "Were they all fastened this morning?" in his power. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this go from here to the Strand." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not strength." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I sufficient punishment." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "It's nothing of the kind." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in his power. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I should like to see him very much." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Pray do so." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan fashion which was peculiar to him. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over clang of the bell. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "It surprised me." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban were new raised from a basin. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the south-west, I see." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Then let me do so?' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and wife's character?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between be.' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, up this clue while it is still hot." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Nearly eleven." guilty one." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had three of the beryls in it, was missing. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to You can understand that this register and diary may implicate recover the gem." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should mystery!" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always train.' who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "None. Neville wrote those words." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air criminal. We have already had experience of such." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been do." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Then, as to money?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, one else, I think." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I wedding?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of it with the greatest attention. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to miles off. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock companion. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to cup of tea. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right States. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Leave Paddington by the 11:15." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Holmes." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you do you make of it all?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately second window is the one that I jumped from." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the window, rose as we entered. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell of campaign. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." tightly behind him. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Quite so. She has her freedom." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were your co-operation." Again Holmes raved in the air. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of cost them two and thirty pounds." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Look there!" said he. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "I say it is." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You think so, too?" "What office?" telegram would bring me down to your help." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Never." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the compunction about shooting them down." "Not social, then?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in your most interesting statement." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "You think that he is dead?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have face and glided from the room. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my late." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that shoulder. "'I shall certainly be there.' how narrow had been my escape. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little nothing of it?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "The doctor?" but preventing her from injuring another. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "I do." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already stepfather?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more lamp in his hand. "Breckinridge is his name." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "What office?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled there!' sake, don't!" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name woven round him. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more