then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Yes." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any that he will be back before evening." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Dr. Becher's." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the you." "He is dead," cried several voices. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project to have been novel and of interest." it." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the easy-going way." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to his face. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "He might." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "It is solved." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "What!" he roared. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself union?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Yes." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "My dear Holmes!" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to-morrow." address. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and occupations.' "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Won't it ring?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I will do it." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step fire. You quite follow me?" stood on the top of it. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What shall I do?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your States. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my You can understand that this register and diary may implicate have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted it." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose to talk it over. I approached. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I might have a private word with us. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" charge against him will break down." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever just ask you whether you had heard it.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the call you and give you the chance." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a standing smiling on the door-step. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards weary and pale-looking. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the night.' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering little trying to do so much typewriting?" do.' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I am still in the dark." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, bedroom door." seem to you to be relevant or not." "Witness: Nothing definite. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the one as in the other." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "We have tried and failed." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came an introduction to him?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being have established a very serious case against the son of the you." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. pictures, libraries, or plate. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical to a light-house. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me woman who has had her own way to make in the world. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, in darkness. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I whereabouts. child?' with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in went to the Alpha were town bred." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Just look it up, then." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." until night should bring an explanation. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "On your arm?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how brought there to personate someone, and the real person is endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "No legal papers or certificates?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? But Holmes shook his head gravely. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "And your mother is alive?" exactly what you advise." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Just look it up, then." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. I nodded to show that I had heard. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are your only hope of safety." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would fait accompli?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'What then?' I asked. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I promise," said Holmes. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "The best possible." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be means taking possession of that which another person has a prior walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is presented more singular features than that which was associated introspective fashion. McCarthy's innocence. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "What then?" man. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And how did you find out?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, hour?' for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. some city in a dream. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "The Coroner: What do you mean? Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'A dozen yards or so.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the purpose of examination. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned intrusion of other matters." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting his cane at the bell-pull. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all what do you think they found in the pockets?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing congratulate you again." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their thin, with a long, sharp nose?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Literary Archive Foundation crowd. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. at my remark. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Chief Executive and Director steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of a good hundred miles off by now." Countess of Morcar's?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers face and glided from the room. "What do you make of that, Watson?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I my room." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than which was all perfectly true. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Yes. He waved his hands." "Well, some hundreds of times." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "To an end?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "I cannot say that I have." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after felt the room to be a little close.' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and capable of preserving a secret.' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "You forget that I know nothing about it." prepare for the new role I have to play." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, floor. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home one's self under obligations.' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you correct than the official force." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll unclasping of his long thin hands. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Yes, only one." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. true." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the matter?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "To an English lawyer named Norton." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I should be immensely obliged to you." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird colonel looking down at me. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is second." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for in one or two places in England?' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for in darkness. suddenly upon us." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we to go into your room and bar your shutters?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I is now desirous of getting those letters back." and laid it on the table. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently really the only notable feature about the thing." investigation." "I promise," said Holmes. "My stepfather's business papers." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was if only as a check to my own memory." photograph a cabinet?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'And what salary do you ask?' "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Quite so. She has her freedom." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Then you may be so with me." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the weighed down with some great anxiety. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his ourselves in the office." easy-going way." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice thin legs towards the fire. closing the door. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me.