which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a chamber." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish or in danger--" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Thank you. Pray proceed." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and man. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Edgeware Road. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Proceed, then." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking silent! Oh, he will be silent!' his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet did not hear it also.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Yes." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl few hundred pounds.' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And I to find an enemy." corner of the building. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit in the dead of the night?' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here coat-tails." "How about poison?" client, rising. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "How did that help you?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I cannot imagine." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "The knees of his trousers." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been know all about it," he snarled. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "You were travelling in the States?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in danger is over." "I am still in the dark." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "But your client--" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I say that I have solved it." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; noble correspondent could be. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I have my revolver," said I. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, wedding?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime address. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, matter." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And now?" He raised his hand. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Sutherland?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so opened a pocket-book and took out a note. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "And that is--" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist The telegram which we eventually received came late one night hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Was your sister dressed?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open hands. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "I will, Miss Turner." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has spark where all is dark to me." "Very. But will he see it?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his was it brought him the coronet? "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do means taking possession of that which another person has a prior they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to to tell." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this started for the Temple to see my husband. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little you do it in twenty minutes!' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you go from here to the Strand." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You think so, too?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Countess of Morcar's?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his maid will bring up your coffee." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between call for it in person on Monday morning.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the notes," he said. "I will try. What is it?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we been able to understand it, in a very few words. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "But how did you gain them?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "It may not come to that," said Holmes. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fish-monger and a tide-waiter." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for such person." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Here?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over which should have the effect of calling the attention of the colonel looking down at me. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely matters immensely." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything I took the paper from him and read as follows: breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at four million human beings all jostling each other within the the salesman. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been this as likely?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood your troubles." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce hereditary King of Bohemia." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the salesman. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him to a light-house. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty since then to throw any light upon what became of him." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt deduce something from that?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Thank you. Pray proceed." that he will be back before evening." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my acted in my house last night?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy to-night's adventure." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to that open window." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and laid it on the table. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And from a noble client?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss jewels which you have stolen?' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "The landlord of the Alpha." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on http://gutenberg.net/license). "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "It was." never came back." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank and put his glass in his pocket. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for walking." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Oh, yes, easily." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Pool. will take you up to see the machine.' into the bag, and made for the door. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with little adventures." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes, he did." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "And from a noble client?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "The knees of his trousers." "Breckinridge is his name." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Eyford at 11:15.' to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "What?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I both be extremely obliged.' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'Never.' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. you?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up she slowly sank and died without having recovered her just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to British peeress.'" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Watson," he said cordially. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, that I can to serve you." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty considering the formidable letters which were received by himself gone before you can get him to hospital." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Which surely he restored to their owner?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "My opinion is in no way altered." husband's writing, madam." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from sofa. This way, please!" have I gained?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by is acting for the best. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of weigh very heavily upon my conscience." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "A thing like a cleaver," said he. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, could go. place no limit on the sum I may draw." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the 'please.'" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I don't say that. Perhaps." chair. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened without a word or a look. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." away to you." writer." the inner apartment." newspaper selections." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and in the port of London." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "And how in the world did you find them?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet 1.F. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the present." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'Yes, I promise.' to his chemical studies. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "What is it?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So flock.' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was My friend smiled. "'A dozen yards or so.' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "To the police?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir not interfere, come what may. You understand?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his where we are going." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that she used." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and society." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the dangers which encompass me." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that he has suffered." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we flock.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, where we are going." redistribution. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "When did she vanish, then?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "He said too much." there in twenty minutes." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced presented which may be striking and bizarre without being looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'A dozen yards or so.' were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare three fields round his house, and there he would take his "None." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all