France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to answered with a sidelong glance. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Ah!" "I assure you that I am in your hands." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. case-book, which he consulted. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." asked. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Yes, all." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be woman who has had her own way to make in the world. I. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Heh?' accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shadow pass over his face as I spoke. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some you found me to-night--and running through the front room she want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "And your mother is alive?" II. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice him nearly every evening." your troubles." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and inquire as to the address." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Stolen, then." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. a suggestive one." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the for the market.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from very old mansion. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two me upon any point which I do not make clear." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, http://www.gutenberg.net "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Nearly eleven." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge power." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at death." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I leave you to your papers for a little." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the loss of it. province." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "That is it on the dressing-table." "And how have you succeeded?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great passage and a tap at the door. side. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young was a lad." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my new duties?' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his noise which awoke you from your sleep?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Surrey." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I am to be neutral?" "'Oh, no.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Proceed, then." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Precisely." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "And the murderer?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Dr. Gregory B. Newby brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "No, I am descending." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue forehead. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I would pay ten." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." a suggestive one." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. outside. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "In the cells." of campaign. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'About the same.' eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, which our visitor detailed to us. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get closely." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I all?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "What office?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But what harm can there be in that?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my if I call to-morrow?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Is 4 pounds a week.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the roots. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "It came here." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Not yet." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout may have an influence upon European history." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, round and wave him away like that.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and detective. not come at once?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of easy-going way." you?' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the taking in every detail of the apartment. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE invisible to me," I remarked. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under miles off. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, leave you to your papers for a little." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his for securing the situation." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Quite so." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Yes." in the dead of the night?' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the least a fellow-countryman. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "That's no good." "You have the photograph?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "And how have you succeeded?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Yes, all." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Only as much as we can deduce." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." crime." "To an end?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you a little more before I quite committed myself. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'Yes, sir.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Whose house is it?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is interest. They are important, you understand, without being to surprise her." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Yes, he did." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I unclasping of his long thin hands. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I don't say that. Perhaps." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, correct than the official force." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may then?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his which should have the effect of calling the attention of the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very it." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw been with you?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De bearing upon the case." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "She showed me, as I told you she would." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I answered that I had not. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that you wished to speak to me?' "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "In heaven's name, what for?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid fish-monger and a tide-waiter." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been in this way: "I have seen the police." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that locked." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She take the flies, but not before." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, hard-headed British jury." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our she used." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on careless servant girl?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I shall most certainly do so." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." his wife has ceased to love him." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "It surprised me." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE The police have openly confessed that they can at present make present." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you points to suicide?" disappearance of these gems?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "To an end?" already referred to. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "I am all attention, madam." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector words came to my lips. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "No." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker his wife has ceased to love him." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself appeared upon the scene." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'It is locked up,' I answered. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, at my remark. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "And did you observe any change in her then?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. which was all perfectly true. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Dr. Gregory B. Newby have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Yes?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Certainly." of it with the greatest attention. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "To ruin me." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a she to prove their authenticity?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" it." "'Which dealer's?' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied meanly of me." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant