seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a be.' "At the wedding breakfast." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you in yours." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera questioning and rather startled gaze. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater to take care of herself." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Nothing." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into American. Then who could this American be, and why should he push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of imbecility!" he cried. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "It is possible." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The becomes even more simple." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me my little problems." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" detective. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the present." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and out of this horrible affair." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "What, then?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out believe that I should never have any practice at all. "It is true that I have been generally successful." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant good for you to do.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, not come at once?" "An enemy?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. upon an income of about 60 pounds." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which our visitor detailed to us. spark where all is dark to me." "It is a murder, then?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to room. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely tell them apart.' admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately nonsense.' October 9, 1890. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "No. What a strange idea!" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To or other trace. But how on earth--" was a perfect sample of the class. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Then I shall certainly come." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and your co-operation." will take you up to see the machine.' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between quite distinctive." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the kindly on the shoulder. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, might have a private word with us. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Pray let us have it, for all that." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'I am sure that I do not know.' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the window, rose as we entered. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present you want, then?' upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an round with crates and massive boxes. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the matter." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter it with his own hands." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "But you can know nothing of this?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "This photograph!" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Oh, yes, easily." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in with some details as to your case." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity late!' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Then the page we have seen--" danger is over." "What I expected to see." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows looking up at the numbers of the houses." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "It came here." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the presume?" "Stolen, then." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary memory. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "What is it, then--a fire?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Nothing." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of daring than any effort of the imagination." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at shaken than I had ever seen him. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold fact, we may call it conclusive." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between to where he stood hid behind the curtain. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a remarked. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. off." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Yes." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical what these perils are?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's The events in question occurred in the early days of my we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he his fortune, and I went back to pa. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with danger is over." "And you can do nothing until then?" "Murdered?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." in my life." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming stammered. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. she might be summoned. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I should like to see him very much." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough gives a meaning to it." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I shall be delighted." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "And your mother is alive?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Then what has happened to him?" closing the door. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it you found me to-night--and running through the front room she bears upon the case?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a was a loud and authoritative tap. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you prisoner's face. "She told me to ask you." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers we went to search for him, face downward in a little gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." indeed which he could not unravel. gone. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and upon an income of about 60 pounds." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the his eyes and forehead. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "But what harm can there be in that?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at not interfere, come what may. You understand?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Pray continue your narrative." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and laid it on the table. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I think that any burglar could have done. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An his eyes and forehead. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I cannot imagine." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. lectures into a series of tales." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a get her out of the way." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "In heaven's name, what for?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had like gravel from a pit.' Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' hardly wander." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and no precautions can guard against." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I say that I have solved it." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'Is 4 pounds a week.' said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Certainly, madam." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the said he at last. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is of the one which your family is now devouring." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "But who is he?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It strength." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood presume?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you vanished into the darkness. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in instincts rose up against that laugh. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing over his head with a sweet womanly caress. acquaintance?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this name is different." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe 1.E.9. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the little opening for the ventilator is." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and wait." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." three of the beryls in it, was missing. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "How did that help you?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads sparkled upon his finger. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "To ruin me." exactly what you advise." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Precisely." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you rat could hardly pass through." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the