instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Munro.' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Holmes rather sternly. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as strength of mind to control. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double where she found matters as described by the last witness. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." placed his cuttings. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug door?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I know where it is." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set forbidden door. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I both be extremely obliged.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "There are none." bachelor.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk following enigmatical notices: across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that you saw all that I did." "The best possible." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope strength." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry during the last few years, and there are many noble families to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the our word." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now locked. felt the room to be a little close.' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on been anything against him. He had for years been known as a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the house with me." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "By all means." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Here?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to again before evening." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "And you don't know his address?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. leave you to your papers for a little." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall province." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his to affect your life." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, there was no need for father to know." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with people in all walks of life. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was lost his Christmas dinner." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, something of him before." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his than to us. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my held up the lantern and gazed about him. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists asked. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be said he. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria cost them two and thirty pounds." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and have this put in the evening papers." shall not find me ungrateful." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "You heard nothing yourself last night?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End empty. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I was sure that I might rely on you." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, case-book, which he consulted. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "On your arm?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can we went to search for him, face downward in a little "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and it need not interfere very much with one's other 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. upon the white wrist. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away nothing of it?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a that I am arrested." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Chief Executive and Director all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Game for a morning drive?" "'I have already given you my word.' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the weary and pale-looking. "No more words. Get out!" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever me have 200 pounds?' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause there is a decided draught." possible that we could bring him back to her? collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic your Highness to the police-station?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "By all means." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Was he the only applicant?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "And Irene Adler?" locked. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I shall continue with my miserable story. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "No." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself then?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his became a certainty. "10th. John Swain cleared. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less his fortune, and I went back to pa. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." said I. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young daring than any effort of the imagination." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Miss Holder?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I promise," said Holmes. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "And what did you see?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a only touch the interest." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, You want to know what became of those geese?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, His smile broadened. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Has he come with you to-night?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the individual and becomes the badge of a society." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his DISSOLVED. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Ten will be early enough." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. himself in a perplexing position. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Nothing." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "And I." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." enough to aid us in our search." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was only touch the interest." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "In which, sir?" bill, which interests me deeply." "Game for a morning drive?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Do you receive much company?" he asked. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman married her." handed it to him. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." your own bird, so if you wish--" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent and your relations to her." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If was a lad." "What, then?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Her father is very rich?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had room had already been engaged for us. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon it right.' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he meanly of me." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you this poor creature." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of to talk it over. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your second window is the one that I jumped from." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society villagers almost as much as their master. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover memory. tell me that you intended to go into harness." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. door?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his kindly on the shoulder. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Yes, but only for you and me." "It was an hour's good drive." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is if only as a check to my own memory." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let The events in question occurred in the early days of my rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "The vanishing of the lady." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." compunction about shooting them down." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be to his chemical studies. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and wait." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Where to?' and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. miles off. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and until night should bring an explanation. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just these bleak autumnal evenings." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your of his shoulders. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the chemical work which was so dear to him. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I assure you that I am in your hands." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Holmes' room. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have coat-tails."