dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "That was it, sir." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Then I do not see the point." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the very morning of the wedding." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "It was an hour's good drive." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I cannot imagine." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has straighten it?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Always." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of grasp, he hurried from the room. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against to tell." into the bag, and made for the door. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One crime." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an eat it." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as and the church but not where the lady lived." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the loss of it. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had narrative." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "One?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "It's nothing of the kind." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Where did you address your letters, then?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt once more for Briony Lodge. just ask you whether you had heard it.' myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest you came in." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it he. asked with his eyes open. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." fait accompli?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "But how?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the of this gang." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite perplexity from it to my illustrious client. delighted to hear it," he said. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at detective. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "So I am. Very much so." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and the whole place is in a blaze." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if anything to do with the matter?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for success. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's would then never go into court at all." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "And that is--" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Gutenberg-tm License. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is him and tried to hold him back. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a new duties?' noble correspondent could be. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "No. His orders were to stay in the house." questionable one." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Deserted you?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our spark where all is dark to me." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out be sorry for having acted so harshly." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying not use it unless it is absolutely needed." careless servant girl?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers speckled band?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I less than 26s. 4d. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both away to you." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous stammered. again, where I was soon asleep. meant." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of politicians who had been sent down from the North. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." is acting for the best. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining British peeress.'" the dangers which encompass me." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do unprofitable." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must careless servant girl?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies The King stared at him in amazement. papers." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham voice. against a man in the prime of life?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley http://www.gutenberg.net "Yes." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to miss it." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. clanging. "My own seal." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked you understand?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his of a light. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Ah!" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to miss it." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have night.' said he. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better will take you up to see the machine.' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Then he might have called to you?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "No, I am descending." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; used to be." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I noting anything else of interest. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London mystery may be cleared along those lines." memory. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." be there in time for your coming." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a happened." directly by questioning you." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" is worth.' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for in a very precise fashion." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation whatever might befall. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "But of what society?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Literary Archive Foundation to me. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." one of the states of the Union." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "And how did you verify them?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow man. I know him from the photograph." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot sake, don't!" "Which are?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, crime." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. his fortune, and I went back to pa. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the driver. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise I think that I could be of assistance to you." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon rat could hardly pass through." there in twenty minutes." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have to Leatherhead. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the what these perils are?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the one as in the other." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "The best possible." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "'And what are they worth?' I asked. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning You can understand that this register and diary may implicate yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Game for a morning drive?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "You know me, then?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her detained." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Where, then?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you may have an influence upon European history." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the side-table." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate yourselves in at night?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she here." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if events, Mr. Windibank!" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the little opening for the ventilator is." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Holmes, the busybody!" "Thank you. And your address?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly purpose of examination. "That is easily got." to have been novel and of interest." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, have had none more fantastic than this." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "You were travelling in the States?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Yes." following enigmatical notices: it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was be there in time for your coming." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "And you don't know his address?" cigars in their mouths. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I know where it is." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, retorted upon me, and I on you." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not have I gained?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe