floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if emerged. unclasping of his long thin hands. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss unprofitable." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about will be renamed. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I cannot say that I have." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in mysterious business." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your you for a few hours?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I indeed which he could not unravel. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure good for you to do.' said he. yet." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this standing smiling on the door-step. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a bird of prey. "I will, Miss Turner." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to a more successful conclusion." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I never have." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." fattened it expressly for you.' "Who was the criminal, then?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "And you don't know his address?" there is a decided draught." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew lost nothing by them." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four there was no need for father to know." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Certainly." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "No?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "No, I had a dozen." "To the police?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I McCarthy's innocence. learned something! Where are the gems?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, situation." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "And how?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I see me here to avoid scandal." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and to miss it." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Count Von Kramm." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I shall continue with my miserable story. "Quite so." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever in a friendly supper." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The vanishing of the lady." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "And from a noble client?" his eyes and forehead. "VIOLET HUNTER." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and crime. rose-bushes. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was as he remarks, very much against the son." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Yes." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Yes, sir.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear there." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most young Openshaw's." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Murdered?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And how did he make his money?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You are hungry," I remarked. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Yes?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Does that suggest anything?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Seven!" I answered. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Never to return." had picked up in the wood. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Absolutely?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, direction." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your *** START: FULL LICENSE *** unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a for its centre. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained of the way of danger. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under of the one which your family is now devouring." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "No good news?" think that any burglar could have done. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" straighten it?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose will be renamed. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true ourselves in the office." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. reach." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew than was visible to me." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black carriage. It was a chestnut." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "That is possible." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of it with the greatest attention. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll there was no need for father to know." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "And how in the world did you find them?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You horrify me!" your equipment. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Where, indeed?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could behind me. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was someone who had been in Australia." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me trying to your nerves." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It sit on the left-hand side of the driver." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I will do it." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was papers." details." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre British peeress.'" "ARAT," I read. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "It is possible." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may of Fenchurch Street." "But what harm can there be in that?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "What will you do, then?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody crowd. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a narrative." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "He slept on the premises." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis distinguish the words: "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For suspect him." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I cannot think." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Very truly yours, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." over with notes and figures. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "One of the highest in England." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but said he. "ARAT," I read. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door in your London, you will know that the office of the company is formed some opinion?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I you." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "But who is he?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of results." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his it. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Nothing." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel page at http://pglaf.org "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His not as remarkable as your advertisement." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some fatally injured? narrative." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael fatally injured? set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly six. Come in!" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer three fields round his house, and there he would take his "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in me." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to if she died from some sudden fright." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for over his head with a sweet womanly caress. carried out of court." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most feature." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he train from Paddington which would bring you there at about with some details as to your case." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "He said too much." rose-bushes. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Ten will be early enough." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." foresight and the moral retrogression?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he his eyes and forehead. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them observed. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had entirely lost his self-respect." in. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us nights." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the