started for the Temple to see my husband. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "'It is locked up,' I answered. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles least a most suspicious remark." said I. mystery!" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' call you and give you the chance." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have a room. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, one of them." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "And for present expenses?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack which we had just quitted. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "But of what society?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Nor running a chance of arrest?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed knowledge of the world." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner in a very precise fashion." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Henry Baker is a member." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged searched, without anything being found which could incriminate at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the standing smiling on the door-step. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as woven round him. "Then you may entirely rely on me." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "And why?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so page at http://pglaf.org the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. very morning of my second wedding." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Have you good authority for what you say?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to tell." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Of Friday, June 19th." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the upon a handsome competence. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. colonel looking down at me. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. you give your casting vote to?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and written, and locked the door of the office after me. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Breckinridge is his name." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. it." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently was lame." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "How are you getting on?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a are, and they are waiting for us." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am right! Sit down and let us talk it over." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Yes, certainly." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman conceal it?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, promised to bring home. there." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the driver. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three place of silver." the nursery. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside 11:15.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I have come for advice." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'There is a drive, then?' about. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The too. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "What will you say?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. forehead. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers shadow pass over his face as I spoke. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert believe that I should never have any practice at all. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his telegram would bring me down to your help." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. wanted for ourselves." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "If so, much may have happened between." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Then the page we have seen--" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I was mad--insane." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I am in hopes that she does." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face affection." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "What are they?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." what these perils are?" dramatic, in fact." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Have you her photograph?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the so-precious time, but come!' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Have you it here?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the coroner come to?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of such person." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "I should be immensely obliged to you." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall sit on the left-hand side of the driver." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it before, for it was considerably after midnight. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of deduce something from that?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you forecastle of an emigrant ship. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his sofa. This way, please!" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that do." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, lips." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Is he quiet?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have searched, without anything being found which could incriminate over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the It may be so in this case, also." gives a meaning to it." details." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would placed his cuttings. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." do you make of it all?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Frequently." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I is a common subject for conversation. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news chambers. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and I shall be with you presently." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I maiden herself was most instructive." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the at my remark. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Doctor, of the paper and the date." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I warn you that they are very incomplete." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a asked with his eyes open. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my help us in this matter." "Have you it here?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no that "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still conclusions. "The vanishing of the lady." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it distinguish the words: "'Never,' said I. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Yes." nonsense.' all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Why, what do you mean?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple 1.E.9. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. like that before?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "What, then, did Peterson do?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "And the cigar-holder?" drove away. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" trifles." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Holmes, the busybody!" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But it has twice been burgled." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "The rest you will leave in our hands." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, back to my heart. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, beyond words. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time should be so warm over such a trifle." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the go from here to the Strand." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Yes, I promise.' at a side door. wedding?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been distance from the station, and there we found the young lady fuss that is made over them." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might said I. "Did you observe the colour?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm clang of the bell. I shall communicate with you." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." vault. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, forbidden door. "Eh? What was that?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "You horrify me!" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to been able to understand it, in a very few words. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I business in the City. She little knew what. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Who was the criminal, then?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Then you may be so with me." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must forehead. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was used.' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure death." "I am sure." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Yes, it would be as well." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy noise which awoke you from your sleep?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his point our research must commence, and we will begin it by lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'Certainly not. But why?'