been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have used to be." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering his face which made him a very different person to the round, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have an American origin." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique system of imprisonment?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this carpenter." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the villagers almost as much as their master. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last page at http://pglaf.org public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. shaken than I had ever seen him. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the your sleep?' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Why did you pick him?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. criminal. We have already had experience of such." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Imitated." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back past. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal them?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I cigars in the box." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "On the contrary, this is the right side." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the lost nothing by them." "Then, as to money?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "No sign of it?" "No, but the enclosure is." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if mysterious business." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her hands. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Breckinridge is his name." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "And when will you call?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet sake, don't!" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite standing smiling on the door-step. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed tell him that I know him to be innocent." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he indeed which he could not unravel. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into three of the beryls in it, was missing. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "This concluded the examination of the witness." man. I know him from the photograph." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which my secret was safe in his possession. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a next day. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some this remarkable episode. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Edgeware Road. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each him nearly every evening." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "And how did he make his money?" "To the police?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and yet." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I details." appeal." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "The gentleman I describe." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "No." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving few hundred pounds.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "And when will you call?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "But how will you look?" the salesman. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Witness: It was. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his in. "One of his hands." business." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but case-book, which he consulted. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "You think that he is dead?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes, I have one waiting." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in charge against him will break down." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. to affect your life." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as to that open window." if only as a check to my own memory." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and his face which made him a very different person to the round, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "He is dead," cried several voices. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the enter into my head. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Upon what point?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, bachelor.' "You have compromised yourself seriously." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very should be so warm over such a trifle." Chief Executive and Director "And how?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange golden eyeglasses. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the tragedy. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Yes. He waved his hands." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, narrative." works. See paragraph 1.E below. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the arrested. You then--" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Tired-looking or fresh?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible papers diligently of late, have you not?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "He might." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility brought there to personate someone, and the real person is mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De your bag." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you silent! Oh, he will be silent!' this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an to-night's adventure." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. gone. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew to that open window." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is night.' said he. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your this as likely?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery approach us with offers to donate. depend upon my doing so.' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to congenial hunt. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have me have 200 pounds?' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small newspaper selections." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she papers." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling late." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Precisely." shoulder. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "But you have hopes?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, appeared upon the scene." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past evidence," I remarked. constraint." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "The decline of his fortunes, then?" distinguish the words: story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "At half-wages, in fact." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'Never,' said I. "Yes?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "No, but the enclosure is." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Why did you beat the pavement?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, sparkled upon his finger. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." corner of the building. "A client, then?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'It is locked up,' I answered. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Serpentine Avenue. go--none." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in clang of the bell. "The King of Scandinavia." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately know that the truth is known." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut she might be summoned. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre side. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and put his glass in his pocket. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "She showed me, as I told you she would." "In which, sir?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which yards of it?' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking sake, don't!" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and capable of preserving a secret.' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in again, where I was soon asleep. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, unprecedented a position." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." done what I asked you, Jones?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon meant." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to I nodded to show that I had heard. villagers almost as much as their master. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment brain must have something in it." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white thirty. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was outbreak?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Not yet." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where as he remarks, very much against the son." "Frequently." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most gbnewby@pglaf.org manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove interests were the same as his." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "No." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "It is a murder, then?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable spare." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can quickly through a disagreeable task. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. are windows in it, of course?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yes, from Horsham." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Yesterday." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Eyford at 11:15.'