with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "The vanishing of the lady." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady himself in a perplexing position. without a word or a look. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "No." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical done what I asked you, Jones?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Certainly." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I he bowed and left the room without another word. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. back into the street. locked." "What! a murderous attack?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "And sit in the dark?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. to surprise her." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Thank you. Pray proceed." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some bed dies. Does not that strike you?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "What will you do, then?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "The murder was done with it." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is so far?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry your room." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "ARAT," I read. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck that, and I came down." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a I leave." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the may never be exposed to such a temptation." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "She walked into the breakfast-room." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told from the brougham. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Was she in good spirits?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him have I gained?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly about here speaks of his kindness to him." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by tied." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat burst out into a roar of laughter. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to tackle the facts." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had persecution?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done corner of the building. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "To ruin me." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "We have tried and failed." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his rose-bushes. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the roots. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no very peculiar words of the dying woman?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "What! a murderous attack?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an there was no need for father to know." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Never." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not shoulder. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Perhaps I have." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to strong and stiff." peculiar to him. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the see me here to avoid scandal." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Only as much as we can deduce." anything to do with the matter?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or skylight. closely." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you vanished into the darkness. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no some water from a caraffe. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations the roots. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "How can you tell that?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Very much so." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR lips." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp bird of prey. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in here and I will read it to you: vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I nodded to show that I had heard. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and said he at last. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Yes." "No." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser said I. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set have had none more fantastic than this." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" weighed down with some great anxiety. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace seven miles from Eyford Station.' While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "And how in the world did you find them?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to to me. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless your bag." how narrow had been my escape. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Holmes." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "In which, sir?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he guilty parties." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the congratulate you again." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of closing the door. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes. He waved his hands." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, more solid." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off train.' man. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in mysterious end." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Stolen, then." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to 1.E.9. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were rooms." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Dr. Becher's." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I your room." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between made him keep the appointment." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a presume?" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by disturbance in my wife." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Get out!" said he. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project crime." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'What, the red-headed man?' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "I have solved it." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Yes, it was gone.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. not fit the lock." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a was lame." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the your sleep?' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, could go. be. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And you thought he was pulled back?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my fatally injured? side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see disturbance in my wife." four million human beings all jostling each other within the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Farm upon the left." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. on in his house." "How did that help you?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked notes," he said. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "And why?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, case-book, which he consulted. flock.' its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Yes?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do it." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For kindly on the shoulder. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. behind me. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the ourselves in the office." have accepted such a situation. in the hope of finding them." his grey eyes. until night should bring an explanation. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" society." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in presented more singular features than that which was associated I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." affection." "Dirty?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "It missed him, then?" "I fear not." "Certainly." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I address. than to us. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from derbies." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom shoulder. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the used to be." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other married her." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend himself in a perplexing position. walking." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'Very good.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to not within a twentieth part of the market price." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my if only as a check to my own memory." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of I held the little printed slip to the light. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Sholtos." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is yourselves in at night?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account father's young wife. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, call it cruel." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is to me. "Your French gold?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "That sounds a little paradoxical." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw burst out into a roar of laughter. Holmes. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the man. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Indeed! Whose, then?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, said he. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'I have already given you my word.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave affair. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Of Friday, June 19th." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an