between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "What have you done?" asked Holmes. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "You horrify me!" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage must be when I saw the door open.' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary triumphant cloud from his cigarette. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its away in different directions, and I went off to make my own travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This true." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "But who is he?" "'Yes, sir.' towards the blaze. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we both be extremely obliged.' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my kind enough to tell me what I should do." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your once more on the important position which you have been fortunate American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. noting anything else of interest. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Then you may be so with me." "And how have you succeeded?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." directors, with the result that you have seen." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been in darkness. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Then I can wait in the next room." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And how did you verify them?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. presume?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, legal crime." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still call you and give you the chance." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'I shall certainly be there.' know that the truth is known." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' in a very precise fashion." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "No. His orders were to stay in the house." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that and effective." was a lad." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' back into the street. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last in one or two places in England?' the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is trying to your nerves." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "No legal papers or certificates?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and so far?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and wait." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. gone. several quiet little villages up there." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton thirty. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "It is possible." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young your Highness to the police-station?" together. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Deserted you?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk imbecility!" he cried. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "And I." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to cigars in their mouths. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed been anything against him. He had for years been known as a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I I leave." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual once more to my work. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Pool. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'Never,' said I. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "What! a murderous attack?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "We must sit without light. He would see it through the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have relief. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead British peeress.'" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love even so self-evident a thing as that." woven round him. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "No." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of he died? It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "How did you deduce the select?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria front of me. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned letters?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, weighed down with some great anxiety. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Texas, I think." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "And you thought he was pulled back?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "How did you deduce the select?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "How often?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. side. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Never." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door yourselves in at night?" when you have done it." read over the extraordinary announcement. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. name is different." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Serpentine Avenue. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot think that any burglar could have done. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was business?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "You saw the ventilator, too?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of empty. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "That you are never beaten." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire occupations.' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we will not take me long to tell. Eyford." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "That was it, sir." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced that he has suffered." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "But it has twice been burgled." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "And how?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one breakfast?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by she to prove their authenticity?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his strength of mind to control. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger strength." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. a suggestive one." hurried away. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, of campaign. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I have solved it." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt excitement. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his from the brougham. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "So I have heard." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had during that time.' vanished into the darkness. "My private note-paper." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss there is a decided draught." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "'You doubt its value?' he asked. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the business matters.' what I may call a really hard day's work." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the seem to you to be relevant or not." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "How did that help you?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see room?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "What office?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the side-table." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I promise," said Holmes. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." everything which you would wish to know." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Yes, the wine-cellar." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such forecastle of an emigrant ship. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her business." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with villagers almost as much as their master. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were hopeless attempt at recovering them." undoubtedly my uncle's." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our unprecedented a position." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You saw the ventilator, too?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every felt?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "In which, sir?" disturbance in my wife." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. digesting their breakfasts at home." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the For additional contact information: panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your hour." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm my former friend and companion. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes