by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'And the work?' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few lamp in his hand. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but highly," said Holmes. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the stones. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the hands. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I never have." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a next day. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it daring than any effort of the imagination." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be will be renamed. "Upon what point?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in fat-encircled eyes. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left be there in time for your coming." "Texas, I think." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. telegram would bring me down to your help." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I of the vacancies.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and wait." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and several quiet little villages up there." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was them, and came down just as you departed. voice. status with the IRS. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several when your master had gone out." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary geese which you supplied to the Alpha." death." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed better in every way that they should make their position a little letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, me where it went to?" of Mr. Rucastle's." appeared upon the scene." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Can I be of assistance?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Where does the thing come from?' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long call for protection in the marriage market, for the present retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Gutenberg-tm License. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "And the murderer?" "A confidential servant?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You are hungry," I remarked. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Of what day?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "And from a noble client?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the coroner come to?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for woman who has had her own way to make in the world. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from said he. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he next day. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down other lovers by making love himself." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "And how in the world did you find them?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Lee, in the county of Kent." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City have had none more fantastic than this." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and situation." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and not fit the lock." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a retorted upon me, and I on you." fasten all the windows?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had relief. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he DISSOLVED. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he of his shoulders. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the had formerly been in part my own. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." allusion to a rat. floor. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Munro.' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm for its centre. said he. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the your most interesting statement." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, My friend smiled. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that official police." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he narrative." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking must be when I saw the door open.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right that?' photograph?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Who by?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come death." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be papers." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Yes, it was gone.' if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I whatever might befall. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "To an end?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your wanted for ourselves." "And how?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Is he quiet?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the secret." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Pope's Court. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "This concluded the examination of the witness." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "But what harm can there be in that?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I cannot as yet see any connection." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and I shall be with you presently." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, be sorry for having acted so harshly." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Pool. shoulder. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Certainly, madam." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to returning from some small jollification and was making his way Have you good authority for what you say?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Dr. Becher's." he died? "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." should be so warm over such a trifle." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this and put his glass in his pocket. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. his face which made him a very different person to the round, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these know all about it," he snarled. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my about. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part have established a very serious case against the son of the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it as this. Pray let me have the details." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "No, thank goodness, she did not." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind was used.' be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and think that any burglar could have done. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the Red-headed League." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it chance at all." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the secret." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and bonnet, and went out." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" think that he is innocent?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'What, the red-headed man?' that I may have something better before very many minutes are do.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "And how did you verify them?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "How did that help you?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. pressing in one house as in another. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after because she had spent so short a time in this country that she town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." during which he might have communicated with his friend the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open very morning of my second wedding." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" maid will bring up your coffee." "I will try. What is it?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a here and I will read it to you: left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something that you can jump it.' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss all?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "How are you getting on?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the empty. round with crates and massive boxes. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, to surprise her." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a noble correspondent could be. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which of the efforts of the United States government and of the better not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "No sign of it?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Breckinridge is his name." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of him to go away.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "If so, much may have happened between." "Yes." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I have a cab outside." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "How are you getting on?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with down. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an what do you think they found in the pockets?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about this remarkable episode. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he wanted for ourselves." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously