"So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord could go. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his client, rising. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "And what then?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to paper in the air. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this girl said." "Was the window open?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the then?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has away to you." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in be there in time for your coming." carpenter." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the then?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "And why in hopes?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "What will you do, then?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "A call for help, you thought?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America point our research must commence, and we will begin it by my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open ways of our fellow-men." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his himself in a perplexing position. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Proceed, then." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "It is very clear." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." chambers. "'How far from the body?' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Thank you. And your address?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "And the cigar-holder?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "The gentleman I describe." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their late!' made his money." "But to whom?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Countess of Morcar's?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose society." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'What, the red-headed man?' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all lumber-room." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. astonishment. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." definite end. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at be there in time for your coming." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Certainly, madam." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can purpose equally well?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small compunction about shooting them down." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "She walked into the breakfast-room." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the I was concerned in it." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, from you?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Mrs. Toller serenely. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "No, finished." been shamefully used." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out becomes even more simple." "At the wedding breakfast." he died? severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you certainly do as you advise." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and answered with a sidelong glance. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has side. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Yes. He waved his hands." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'Stolen!' he cried. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Yes, they were peculiar boots." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Yes." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "What! Had he lost his wife?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try matter." "Precisely." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker were wasted." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who have I gained?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert delighted to hear it," he said. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, astonishment. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an golden eyeglasses. "Yes, the wine-cellar." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Is purely nominal.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just of them has the shutters up.' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment friends, not even his own brother. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence situation." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my developed." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Will you bet, then?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'What are you doing there?' he asked. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a During two years I have had three consultations and one small Cross for the Continent." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough sneer upon his pale face. "Was your sister dressed?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can remarked. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Which are?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is easy-going way." all?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Has he come with you to-night?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white said he. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about events than those which have happened in my own family." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Perhaps we may make them less so." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address colour had been driven from his face. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "He is still with you, I presume?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Nothing?" "The gentleman I describe." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to charge against him will break down." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe villagers almost as much as their master. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the nights." room. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. leave you to your papers for a little." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Yes. He waved his hands." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "We were both in the photograph." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a must be when I saw the door open.' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" delighted to hear it," he said. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his tell him that I know him to be innocent." again, where I was soon asleep. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to hour." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have call the police, let the police find what they can.' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, stalked out of the room. persecution?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be you want, then?' Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless chambers. both be extremely obliged.' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, answer." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by noise which awoke you from your sleep?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Nothing." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the tragedy. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a then?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR made him keep the appointment." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'Certainly not.' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Yes." directors, with the result that you have seen." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the feature." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' voice, changing her seat as requested. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "What is it, then--a fire?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I will, Miss Turner." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." skylight. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us room had already been engaged for us. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Entirely." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known before, for it was considerably after midnight. "It is very clear." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the coronet in his hands?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." one else, I think." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the best of training." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the of it with the greatest attention. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." see me here to avoid scandal." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "You have it, sir, just as it happened." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I came to find a friend." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We