the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "What then?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you appointment with me for six o'clock?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his wife's character?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I am to be neutral?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Ample." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'Ample.' Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'Ample.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Lee, in the county of Kent." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner lectures into a series of tales." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "How can you tell that?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and I shall be with you presently." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the where we are going." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a morning." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to photograph a cabinet?" "VIOLET HUNTER." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR round with crates and massive boxes. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the them, and came down just as you departed. purpose of examination. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about obstinate." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has with the outside air!" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to disappearance of the bride.'" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you man. the one as in the other." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" said he. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which there." "May I see it?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with intrusion of other matters." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Farm upon the left." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Texas, I think." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "And you don't know his address?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly sit on the left-hand side of the driver." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You have compromised yourself seriously." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg coroner's jury." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and effective." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "It must be recovered." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated business came to an end." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it forehead. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' chair. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'And the work?' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." my friend's incisive reasoning. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to But Holmes shook his head gravely. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of bears upon the case?" "That was it, sir." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "What will you say?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter interested in these little problems, and since you are good "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the whole matter to your consideration." my little problems." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "BALLARAT." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Only as much as we can deduce." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' know what is wrong with it.' The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close forecastle of an emigrant ship. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' too. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I see no marks." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "It is solved." "Witness: Nothing definite. fact, we may call it conclusive." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, to a light-house. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no any." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "What will you say?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case to that open window." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry of his shoulders. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of that?' "It certainly sounds feasible." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Where does the thing come from?' bell. Holmes whistled. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on your equipment. undoubtedly my uncle's." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "We must sit without light. He would see it through the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. go--none." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly enter into my head. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "No. What a strange idea!" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, posted to-day." new duties?' defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of business?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Not in a good cause." crime. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Yes?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'What then?' I asked. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." did not hear it also.' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced skylight. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "What have you to say now?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Yes, sir." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." narrative." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you frequently gained my first real insight into the character of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and thought that she would have been so carried away." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Yes." "At the wedding breakfast." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in have an American origin." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, past. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." bears upon the case?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Was there a secret marriage?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for to change my dress. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Yes, it would be as well." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of deduce something from that?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he spare." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears his grey eyes. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'A dozen yards or so.' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third derbies." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of you." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a you want, then?' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the coronet in his hand?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It is solved." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across that I can to serve you." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Holmes rather sternly. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow chamber." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more your only hope of safety." crime." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I came to find a friend." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at not as remarkable as your advertisement." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Yes, sir." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' gone before you can get him to hospital." "And how in the world did you find them?" man. cause to be." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Not social, then?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the people in all walks of life. later, upon the night of May 2nd." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, one of them." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of Fenchurch Street." "Where, then?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Mary, has deserted me." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. what I may call a really hard day's work." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your away in different directions, and I went off to make my own pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss followed. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the night.' "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this my room." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the forecastle of an emigrant ship. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Why did you pick him?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door it means?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Oh, the cause is excellent!" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I I have it here in my museum." at my own good fortune. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I matter over." whole matter to your consideration." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook my secret was safe in his possession. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and