about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said way in everything. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "What can you not understand?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Your sister is dead, then?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His noting anything else of interest. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "You have but to name it." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Yes." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; of this gang." coroner's jury." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, some water from a caraffe. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond made him keep the appointment." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great woven round him. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the again." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Certainly." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would at my own good fortune. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "It's nothing of the kind." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the dangers which encompass me." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can place no limit on the sum I may draw." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I should wish to." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I am about to be married." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Chief Executive and Director the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Well, some hundreds of times." this remarkable episode. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "How on earth--" "Do you go out much in society?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Look there!" said he. "'About the same.' became a certainty. his cane at the bell-pull. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to miss it." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a What do you deduce from it?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "So I have heard." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and shall probably return to London by the evening train." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still present." "You have but to name it." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "His face fell immediately. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "And how did you find out?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "And how did you find out?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black business came to an end." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a nothing with him." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves is worth.' young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but written. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Not yet." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yes, only one." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "You think that he is dead?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the of Mr. Rucastle's." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my answered with a sidelong glance. "But it has twice been burgled." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss me. You must get home instantly and act." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'You cannot say what it was?' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Dr. Gregory B. Newby magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Where did you address your letters, then?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too not come at once?" of Mr. Rucastle's." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" dear old homesteads?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in writer." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. coroner's jury." exactly what you advise." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on interest. They are important, you understand, without being Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could but preventing her from injuring another. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we seven miles from Eyford Station.' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." pressing in one house as in another. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It is very clear." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his off." the room while you explain this matter?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are someone who had been in Australia." carriage. It was a chestnut." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my your troubles." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester derbies." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. yourselves in at night?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and awaited us upon the table. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing is entirely a question of barometric pressure." nonsense.' which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the the house with me." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. on re-entering her father's house?" room. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Was he the only applicant?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in your troubles." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I are windows in it, of course?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I was mad--insane." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I cannot tell." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "The knees of his trousers." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place presume?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "If so, much may have happened between." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" key turn in the lock." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us pound a week." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and we went to search for him, face downward in a little gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's not, dad?" she asked. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in his fortune, and I went back to pa. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Project Gutenberg-tm works. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "And I to find an enemy." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Pool. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "From his hat?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I am sure." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took should be so warm over such a trifle." disappearance of the bride.'" to have that photograph." "May I see it?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the straighten it?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this man. I know him from the photograph." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." there." me upon any point which I do not make clear." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. morning." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." his forehead." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'I am sure that I do not know.' I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Could he throw no light?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' an introduction to him?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." upon the sideboard." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a stammered. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried whole matter to your consideration." any more." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "No?" to affect your life." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and in the port of London." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce instituted." "Were they all fastened this morning?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, have been better. It is all right." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch as he remarks, very much against the son." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may over part of the map. "What do you read?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. delirious. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish for its centre. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "And why in hopes?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the excitement. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "An enemy?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie point in the dark hollow of his hand. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I better grown goose." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a examine." photograph a cabinet?" which our visitor detailed to us. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand with frightened eyes at his accuser. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose You want to know what became of those geese?" it." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much