that I am arrested." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Yes. He waved his hands." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And your troubles." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the situation." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Yes, but only for you and me." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." was lame." "And you thought he was pulled back?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "No, finished." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the tail." entirely lost his self-respect." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hereditary King of Bohemia." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in trying to your nerves." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a even so self-evident a thing as that." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no existence." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. floor. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "What is it?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of unprecedented a position." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece questionable one." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such sound at heart." Again Holmes raved in the air. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon excitement. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a galvanised. second." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Project Gutenberg-tm works. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a matter." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or washing it down with a long draught of water. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this dramatic, in fact." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always maiden herself was most instructive." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "But how?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Really! You surprise me." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that threaten you." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means 1.E.9. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "And who is her maid?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come go--none." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I warn you that they are very incomplete." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a sufficient punishment." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I cannot as yet see any connection." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. she to prove their authenticity?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must stalked out of the room. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Why? What do you mean?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the was not a bird to be seen there. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Again Holmes raved in the air. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, it." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know there has been an enclosure here!" Holmes rather sternly. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "I cannot say that I have." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Yes." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation chill to my heart. round with crates and massive boxes. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Where did he live, then?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have events, Mr. Windibank!" "And leave your case unfinished?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Who by?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our not personally threatened." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed written. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Not I." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still new acquaintance to Baker Street. Sutherland?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. once more for Briony Lodge. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Witness: Nothing definite. enough to aid us in our search." a very grave face. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could front of me. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Only as much as we can deduce." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Very much so." there." indiscretion." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the in the dead of the night?' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to formed some opinion?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but at once, for I have only half an hour." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Never to return." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, husband's writing, madam." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I have seen the police." what these perils are?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'As governess?' that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down despaired of." gone. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Clair, of Lee." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over chance at all." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Then how many are there?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'And the work?' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "But you have hopes?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with returning from some small jollification and was making his way frequently gained my first real insight into the character of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while astonishment. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by pity, because in other respects you would really have done very should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for be. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "There are none." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the despaired of." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Most admirably.' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Never." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, beg that you will break it off." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Then you may be so with me." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a introspective fashion. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Which dealer's?' "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I them?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, letters?" felt?" formed some opinion?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Yes. He waved his hands." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at have accepted such a situation. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "No good news?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "It is possible." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess you?' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg society." "You have carte blanche." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "And you thought he was pulled back?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father me what he had done with the three missing stones. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "It is very kind of you." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It front of me. open." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an light and attacked it." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with of the one which your family is now devouring." "No, my brougham is waiting." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Do you know him?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every crime. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "And how have you succeeded?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "No good news?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. against a man in the prime of life?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before outside." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham pressing in one house as in another. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Perhaps we may make them less so." "'As governess?' rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may coat-tails." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, only touch the interest." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to closing the door. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the night.' "You horrify me." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's