red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." ready to-morrow?' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he dates and names. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "No, I think that I'll take it." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" both be extremely obliged.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'What then?' I asked. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "One of his hands." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Because he was handy and would come cheap." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for call the police, let the police find what they can.' outside. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Now, then, what's the last entry?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with light and attacked it." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and laid it on the table. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "One of his hands." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Nothing?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Pray do so." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons anything to do with the matter?" Henry Baker is a member." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." is four-and-twenty." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Witness: It was. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'Not at all. I only doubt--' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer chance at all." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'There is a drive, then?' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "By train from Waterloo." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, few hundred pounds.' "When did it break out?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I leave." cigar and let me expound." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. one's self under obligations.' lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, advice." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a outsides of the windows. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to once more on the important position which you have been fortunate he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "You horrify me." "What is it, then--a fire?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of a suggestive one." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "You know me, then?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he train.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "How many? I don't know." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and I shall be with you presently." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his cigar and let me expound." handed it to him. British peeress.'" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it official police." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, fashion which was peculiar to him. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "And why in hopes?" "Where, then, is my wife?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready back alive. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Why serious?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I of the way of danger. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the bottom.' "Yes." had died away into the silence from which it rose. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "9th. McCauley cleared. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Do you know him?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment over with notes and figures. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, matter." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been interests were the same as his." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Well?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down might help us?" Does that suggest anything?" "If I can be of use." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that?' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done cheerful." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in anything to do with the matter?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It for its centre. directors, with the result that you have seen." questioning and rather startled gaze. such person." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "And how?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. forebodings. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "By train from Waterloo." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Deserted you?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the once more. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I should like to see him very much." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' what these perils are?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' dramatic, in fact." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any was a loud and authoritative tap. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the fait accompli?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of receipt of the work. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Why serious?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was detained." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "How about poison?" there in twenty minutes." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the so-precious time, but come!' Eyford." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions anything to a woman, for she would have her way." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "No." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and inquire as to the address." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far our word." read it out to me." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that assist you in forming an opinion." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, which our visitor detailed to us. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Yes, the wine-cellar." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the hurried away. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' my former friend and companion. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "What!" he roared. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the stones. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon carpenter." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get felt the room to be a little close.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the sneer upon his pale face. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By me. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Of Friday, June 19th." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "You saw the ventilator, too?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I was mad--insane." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. to me. window when the police appeared." at my remark. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. arrangements." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, nights." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "VIOLET HUNTER." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Nothing." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "The Cedars?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform think you a quite exceptional woman." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his room had already been engaged for us. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Precisely so. But how--" "Where, then?" man. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the sparkled upon his finger. obstinate." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Lee, in the county of Kent." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "What then?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. quickly through a disagreeable task. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by been anything against him. He had for years been known as a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been approach us with offers to donate. "What have you to say now?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This in. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent you in your example." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even