position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "My photograph." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are visitors." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main bedroom door." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend yourselves in at night?" six. Come in!" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, himself in a perplexing position. States. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone certainly not very gracious." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he is acting for the best. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Seven!" I answered. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat delighted to hear it," he said. to a more successful conclusion." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step too. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard like gravel from a pit.' "This photograph!" this Miss Turner." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, miles off. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in recall any case within my experience which looked at the first right! Sit down and let us talk it over." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's chair. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of new duties?' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as about. "And why?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" unprecedented a position." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "He slept on the premises." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an 'please.'" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this writer." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let enter into my head. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the interested in these little problems, and since you are good have got?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Did you become engaged then?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' really the only notable feature about the thing." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those enough to aid us in our search." "Always." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only highroad, where all traces were lost. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Foundation that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco said he at last. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some against a man in the prime of life?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He you." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" than to us. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the my friend's incisive reasoning. trifles." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in used to be." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Yes, certainly." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your October 9, 1890. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that to where he stood hid behind the curtain. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year locked. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "What will you do, then?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. happened." true." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "My dear Holmes!" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "My last client of the sort was a king." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." corner of the building. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key hereditary King of Bohemia." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. horse could go." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to is," said he presently: the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "No." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I am still in the dark." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Very. But will he see it?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Where, then?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to over with notes and figures. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "It is possible." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "You horrify me." your Highness to the police-station?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must sofa. This way, please!" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "One horse?" interjected Holmes. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear bachelor.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'Entirely.' inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "She showed me, as I told you she would." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help is so. I know all about McCarthy." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What have you to say now?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," an introduction to him?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness to affect your life." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry sit on the left-hand side of the driver." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and other lovers by making love himself." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite said he. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "No more words. Get out!" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good shoulder. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "One?" rose-bushes. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Sholtos." "But you were on a friendly footing?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "What of the rat, then?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle remarked. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, empty. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper be there in time for your coming." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "You will not go there first?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Never." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "He disappeared so suddenly." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive than was visible to me." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." his huge brown hands. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "At half-wages, in fact." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the coronet in his hands?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Stolen, then." again on its way. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two ourselves in the office." noble correspondent could be. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found tied." Again Holmes raved in the air. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel o'clock is it?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Certainly." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "No." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an matters immensely." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "No bad?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I was sure that I might rely on you." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line legal crime." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled them, and came down just as you departed. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "That was it, sir." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has the morning and make my own way in the world.' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very present." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey present." exactly what you advise." examine." derbies." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Then I shall certainly come." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "A confidential servant?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she case-book, which he consulted. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'Where to?' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. you for a few hours?" "Look there!" said he. thirty. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce ashen face. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "What can it mean?" I gasped. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "A client, then?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his deduce something from that?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Of what?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Mrs. Toller serenely. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the might have a private word with us. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'As governess?' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I say that I have solved it." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'Yes, sir.' "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much down. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a unkempt, staring out at me. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about to change my dress. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and put his glass in his pocket.