minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" I. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I answered that I had not. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most me." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers for and were ordered to this address. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort me. You must get home instantly and act." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to will not take me long to tell. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a you came in." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried prisoner's face. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I cannot think." infinite languor in his face. nothing with him." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "We must sit without light. He would see it through the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "The doctor?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. Holmes' room. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how noting anything else of interest. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'A dozen yards or so.' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with over his head with a sweet womanly caress. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "What I expected to see." room?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with official police." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." them present such singular features as the strange train of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Well, some hundreds of times." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man our word." salesman. if I call to-morrow?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and way: extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "The King of Scandinavia." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other one which it was hard to resist. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring meant." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple strange features which were associated with the two crimes which sneer upon his pale face. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day giving me time to thank him. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the not come at once?" "It is a murder, then?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior may have an influence upon European history." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Was there a secret marriage?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Arthur Conan Doyle it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. skylight. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the dangers which encompass me." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his anything to do with the matter?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Surrey." there in twenty minutes." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, of the way of danger. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me away into the river." "My dear Holmes!" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of Mr. Rucastle's." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Frequently." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said some mystery and the punishment of some crime." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "But what harm can there be in that?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, jewels which you have stolen?' inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Nothing?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Count Von Kramm." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine tassel actually lying upon the pillow. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, made him keep the appointment." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the gives a meaning to it." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I saw her in conversation with her maid." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And why in hopes?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in like that before?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'Where could I find him?' Chief Executive and Director "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I cannot tell." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I should like to see him very much." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the before, for it was considerably after midnight. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a observed. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the loss of it. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In been anything against him. He had for years been known as a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "And now?" He raised his hand. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "How often?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous call the police, let the police find what they can.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all look dissatisfied." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from that I can to serve you." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon sound at heart." "It is no ordinary one." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I despair." strength." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply I leave." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." your troubles." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a row." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which thought that she would have been so carried away." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All particular state visit http://pglaf.org "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the http://www.gutenberg.net "I will not look." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself ways including including checks, online payments and credit card mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "What! You do not mean bodies?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when James Windibank. Voilà tout!" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole was used.' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "What have you done?" asked Holmes. ago." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. overpowering excitement and concern. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "What?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "How did you deduce the select?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the wedding?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the conceal it?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a be.' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "It's nothing of the kind." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun tail." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "That was it, sir." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Ample." "But you can know nothing of this?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "What I expected to see." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Precisely so. But how--" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Ha! you find it so?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution interest. They are important, you understand, without being unprofitable." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I came to find a friend." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire side. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should me. You must get home instantly and act." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Entirely." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since is so. I know all about McCarthy." see me here to avoid scandal." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Proceed, then." might help us?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR than was visible to me." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Why that?' I asks. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society me where it went to?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm and your relations to her." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, voice, changing her seat as requested. it were putty." on re-entering her father's house?" "Entirely." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out been able to understand it, in a very few words. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.'