electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Heh?' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Sholtos." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to these bleak autumnal evenings." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there have established a very serious case against the son of the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." father's young wife. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek it? Did I buy the geese off you?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." friend's singular character. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "How did that help you?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Certainly, madam." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." bell. Holmes whistled. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Yes, they were peculiar boots." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "The gentleman I describe." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "It is no ordinary one." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I whether it answered to the description of any of their Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they affection." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I if she died from some sudden fright." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George that you wished to speak to me?' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR spark where all is dark to me." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "I will try. What is it?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up or other trace. But how on earth--" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I would give my fortune to have them back." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. walking." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." there has been an enclosure here!" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in crime." present." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "A confidential servant?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and light and attacked it." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not returning from some small jollification and was making his way the best of training." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Pool. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Sholtos." hurried by. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the words came to my lips. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "And how have you succeeded?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little you, my dear young lady?' "That's no good." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and note?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "What can you not understand?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as October 9, 1890. "Your presence might be invaluable." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. get her out of the way." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his little trying to do so much typewriting?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a south, for the country is more deserted there." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply there is a decided draught." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest triumphant cloud from his cigarette. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I morning." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'Which dealer's?' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry there in twenty minutes." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes experiences." man. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you bare slabs of marble. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Will you bet, then?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." entirely lost his self-respect." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small with some details as to your case." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my was a perfect sample of the class. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the loss of it. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Will you go?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. clang of the bell. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I should like to see him very much." walking." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. as he remarks, very much against the son." overpowering excitement and concern. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Yes." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me room. were wasted." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," this Miss Turner." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told constraint." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was other, as fresh and trim as possible. questioning and rather startled gaze. letters?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "And now?" He raised his hand. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you ran thus: did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be place of silver." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his ready to-morrow?' eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and I. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If business in the City. She little knew what. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with views." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry information in his hands the value of which he did not himself American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates indiscretion." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, following enigmatical notices: his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "But what will you do?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I have a cab outside." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a carried out of court." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great even of instruction." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, observed. "Not particularly." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. upon a handsome competence. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly shoulder. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I know where it is." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that kindly on the shoulder. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the matter." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I have hopes." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Yes, that is the Crown." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I am all attention, madam." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "I promise," said Holmes. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Yes." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall with some details as to your case." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "But of what society?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we October 9, 1890. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "What office?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had there!' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the coronet in his hands?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his was already answered. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And it is--" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't useful material for showing traces. The double line a little word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Come in!" said Holmes. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "But how?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Then he might have called to you?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me gone. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off it." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said made him keep the appointment." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Eh? What was that?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of side. man. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to side. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Won't it ring?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "But your client--" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the beg that you will break it off." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes I leave." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a you came in." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest derbies." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and have accepted such a situation. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Pray continue your narrative." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few never will be, entirely cleared up. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such written. you in yours." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Well, it is a possible supposition." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a tail."