whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with opportunities to fix the problem. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small until night should bring an explanation. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." strong reason behind." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "The King of Scandinavia." to-night's adventure." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated constraint." "Your French gold?" "What of the rat, then?" was it brought him the coronet? "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The murder was done with it." "An accident, I presume?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who assist you in forming an opinion." a suggestive one." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I know where it is." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'Then let me do so?' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. I shall continue with my miserable story. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "My last client of the sort was a king." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's was the fact that his father should, according to his account, asked. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Breckinridge is his name." with her." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the think, you have already met." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I came to find a friend." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Seven!" I answered. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your so far?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "And what did you learn from him?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "No, my brougham is waiting." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing generous with you in money matters.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** absolutely follow my advice in every respect." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I read over the extraordinary announcement. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "About a month then." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By stepfather?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" again." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which helping a boy to put up the shutters. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he will he say when he returns?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who thin legs towards the fire. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Ample." never to learn it at all." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted me. Farm upon the left." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his instituted." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the very letters. But what is this written above them?' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near you want, then?' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "No good news?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Then I do not see the point." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that question. keep the flames under. to change my dress. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "No, thank goodness, she did not." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Only as much as we can deduce." "He said that you could solve anything." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "To the police?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "And the cigar-holder?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Come in!" said Holmes. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we into her hand at the door and which lured her within their afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said there when the Rucastles went away." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "What! a murderous attack?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I see no marks." important." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you noise which awoke you from your sleep?" retorted upon me, and I on you." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he tightly behind him. have got?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "And when will you call?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." remarked. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "At the wedding breakfast." had formerly been in part my own. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the inner apartment." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still was used.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by daring than any effort of the imagination." nonsense.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "No, I think that I'll take it." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Nearly eleven." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to 'I should be able to look after that for you.' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the did not hear it also.' with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my records." me what he had done with the three missing stones. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave posted to-day." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I answered that I had not. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "I say that I have solved it." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the stammered. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I room had already been engaged for us. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would face and glided from the room. sound at heart." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Here?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and a shock of very red hair. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "ARAT," I read. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "It's nothing of the kind." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his is a common subject for conversation. writing, and yet I know it well." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "What have you done?" asked Holmes. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "At what time?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I cannot think." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I came to find a friend." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me October 9, 1890. "No, finished." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their appeared upon the scene." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Were they all fastened this morning?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on south, for the country is more deserted there." address. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque upon the sideboard." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Ha! you find it so?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "I say it is." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "What then?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Leadenhall Street--and--" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with could gather together that I was able to avert another public a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that page at http://pglaf.org "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, ready to-morrow?' were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now started for the Temple to see my husband. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Very murderous indeed." this poor creature." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Lee, in the county of Kent." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his troubles have been weighing upon his mind. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow business in the City. She little knew what. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Deserted you?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But not more so than I to find you." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "A confidential servant?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day people don't know." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice down. unprecedented a position." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur village inn over there?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Entirely." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation straightened it out again. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the skylight. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I should wish to." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this This is what he says: Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself indeed which he could not unravel. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "So I heard. You have him here?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, in his power. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No, distinctly professional." "Could he throw no light?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. detained." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the that he will be back before evening." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did