the best of training." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Dr. Gregory B. Newby Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection most interesting one." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not threw himself down with his face to the pillow. house for five minutes.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "And I say east," said my patient. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the date of his supposed suicide." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a room. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'Very good.' "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of This is what he says: "I see no marks." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Yes, it was twisted." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' hardly wander." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Dark enough and sinister enough." salesman. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm said Mr. Holder. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, was a lad." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a noble correspondent could be. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You showing my impatience. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates salesman. the nursery. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and pound a week." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "What will you say?" the Assizes." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties crime." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in when your master had gone out." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that father's place of business?" in his hands." "But his lameness?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. sneer upon his pale face. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, easy-going way." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed singular points about the case. What did the police think of the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I was sure that I might rely on you." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of Mr. Rucastle's." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. have got?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, third from London." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All wedding?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'I am sure if I had known--' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium events than those which have happened in my own family." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." you." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they What do you deduce from it?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his would then never go into court at all." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Murdered?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls said I. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very minor matters until to-morrow." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "That's no good." to talk it over. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he public press." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the quickly through a disagreeable task. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" charged with?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I be best to do. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Well." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can think that any burglar could have done. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily whereabouts. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years people don't know." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the address that was given us in the advertisement. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and laugh and put his lips to my ear. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Breckinridge is his name." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the coronet at all injured?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Heh?' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "And help." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have when you have done it." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards awkward doing business with an alias." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if was a loud and authoritative tap. "On Monday." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I fear not." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "He is dead," cried several voices. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down union?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and in my life." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And you can do nothing until then?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced in him." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "And the murderer?" "Very much so." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Will you go?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "But I have heard all that you have heard." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in new duties?' your only hope of safety." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Holmes rather sternly. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "And the cigar-holder?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "She will not sell." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the general public were present, then?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Mrs. Toller serenely. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Certainly." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I was mad--insane." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One public press." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Absolutely none." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'Yes, sir.' "My opinion is in no way altered." morning." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one following enigmatical notices: "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's desk. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment train.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with corner of the building. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these both be extremely obliged.' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Where, indeed?" "It surprised me." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. fattened it expressly for you.' Cross for the Continent." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London outside." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Pray continue your narrative." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "But who is he?" unprofitable." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Chief Executive and Director hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, him." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Murdered?" there!' I nodded again. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social is a common subject for conversation. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he appeal." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net hurried by. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "What can you not understand?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? never to learn it at all." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "But to whom?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange speckled band?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. you give your casting vote to?" "Nothing." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And how in the world did you find them?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was directors, with the result that you have seen." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the matter." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were there were so many in the whole country as were brought together unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'There is a drive, then?' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Always." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Does that suggest anything?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had said he. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been to take care of herself." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, most interesting one." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "He said too much." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think long narrative. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "It is a murder, then?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's cause to be." said I. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "A greater distance to travel." "'Yes, sir.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, horse could go." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" astonishment. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I