have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set has little to do with my story." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "And did you observe any change in her then?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Certainly." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "No good news?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt comes from the middle window." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Yes, they were peculiar boots." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of them has the shutters up.' lips." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "And your mother is alive?" crackling voice. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I in. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon desk. bachelor.' the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Yes, sir.' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not be there in time for your coming." "Why? What do you mean?" matter." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the deduce something from that?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is comes from the middle window." shall use the carriage to-night." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the general public were present, then?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the photograph a cabinet?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "My photograph." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes must be when I saw the door open.' "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done his face which made him a very different person to the round, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Ample." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar beg that you will break it off." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared as he remarks, very much against the son." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the chance." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "The Cedars?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "We have tried and failed." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "He is still with you, I presume?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of." clanging. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "By no means." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man some place of shelter and let the county police know what has fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and inquire as to the address." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself pierced for earrings?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case quite distinctive." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us it." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them case-book, which he consulted. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' I held the little printed slip to the light. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful gbnewby@pglaf.org "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough green of the new foliage. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot round with crates and massive boxes. be.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three him nearly every evening." place of silver." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, records." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "When did she vanish, then?" "But she could not love him." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a newspaper selections." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There seven miles from Eyford Station.' to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect I shall continue with my miserable story. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the prisoner's face. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort British peeress.'" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Certainly." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" it right.' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "And the cigar-holder?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found furiously. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many crime." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "She told me to ask you." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Stolen." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have place of silver." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. mysterious end." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these than was visible to me." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my know what is wrong with it.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I cannot as yet see any connection." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call him. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "And why in hopes?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the conceal it?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "You horrify me." "So I have heard." and inquire as to the address." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of companion imperturbably. been able to understand it, in a very few words. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Then what has happened to him?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" developed." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who his forehead." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is have I gained?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the once more. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "What of the rat, then?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only something of him before." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup populous neighbourhood." this as likely?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much waste of energy." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "On the contrary, this is the right side." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project lumber-room." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. giving me time to thank him. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Yes." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'Which dealer's?' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a photograph?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "We were both in the photograph." in him." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Nor running a chance of arrest?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my thin legs towards the fire. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Nothing?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it fire. You quite follow me?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Texas, I think." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Have you it here?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "It looks newer than the other things?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of said he. at once, for I have only half an hour." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Precisely so. But how--" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." occupations.' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. as yours." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he instincts rose up against that laugh. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by me." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near very morning of my second wedding." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but lips." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "We have tried and failed." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in The events in question occurred in the early days of my three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." charged with?" her also." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the is now desirous of getting those letters back." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to such person." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself