bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to where he stood hid behind the curtain. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute that property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a hardly wander." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "How did you deduce the select?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is mystery." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I should like to see him very much." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." and I shall be with you presently." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and case before our client came into the room." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. into the bag, and made for the door. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Stoke Moran?" said he. should be so warm over such a trifle." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Did he not advertise?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Again Holmes raved in the air. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "My private note-paper." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Again Holmes raved in the air. drove away. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and other means.' presume?" six. Come in!" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'What do you call purely nominal?' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us charge against him will break down." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the redistribution. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that in the hope of finding them." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be character. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left sufficient punishment." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you true." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An never will be, entirely cleared up. "Well." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in God! What an exposure! What can I do?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "But his left-handedness." cigar and let me expound." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' weapon." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction sparkled upon his finger. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a indeed which he could not unravel. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we one or two very singular points about this room. For example, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, all?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I am all attention, madam." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Henry Baker is a member." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas hard-headed British jury." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Yes." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the strength." the matter?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two prisoner's face. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and several quiet little villages up there." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I assure you that I am in your hands." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Why, it's a dummy," said he. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I became a certainty. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, putting in the horse. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin bill, which interests me deeply." "How on earth--" occupations.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster gone. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Well, but China?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "And is that all?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence wanted for ourselves." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present me." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "And how did you verify them?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted persecution?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as crowd. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I key of the affair now." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and here and I will read it to you: think, you have already met." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'About the same.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his and the whole place is in a blaze." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety reach." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Eyford at 11:15.' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Yes." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence in a very precise fashion." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There developed." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card situation." "Nothing." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate look upon these things in a different way." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they into the bag, and made for the door. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and put his glass in his pocket. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a when you have done it." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Precisely." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Perfectly so." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can retorted upon me, and I on you." strode off upon his way. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I cannot tell." "Married! When?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and security.' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Not in the least." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "So I heard. You have him here?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Pray let us have it, for all that." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was power." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and inquire as to the address." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Most admirably.' glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left in the hope of finding them." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three read over the extraordinary announcement. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Yes, there are nearly always some there." reach." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of depend upon my doing so.' of them has the shutters up.' police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening at a side door. his huge brown hands. "Perfectly so." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots green of the new foliage. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something voice. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "And the cigar-holder?" "Where is it, then?" "It is possible." to that open window." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long 1.E.9. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? correct than the official force." feature." grasp, he hurried from the room. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." a very grave face. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "It is to him that this trophy belongs." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to miss it." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the bottom.' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by his knees, staring into the fire. himself to hunt down. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'I have heard so.' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near you in your example." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I would give my fortune to have them back." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport him nearly every evening." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" advice." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, it." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his which it had come upon my father." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the vanished into the darkness. too. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of the vacancies.' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of head. So long, then!" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My time." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly get the tickets." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit go--none." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I was afraid that you were engaged." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Why did you pick him?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses true." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Heh?' are, I think, all that we need." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for 'I should be able to look after that for you.' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a upon an income of about 60 pounds." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "A client, then?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I lamp. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "About a month then." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from are, I think, all that we need." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An had picked up in the wood. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, and have this put in the evening papers." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience during the last few years, and there are many noble families to fuss that is made over them." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the gentleman's clothes. straighten it?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as second window is the one that I jumped from." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their