ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" not fit the lock." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "It surprised me." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just side. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation brought there to personate someone, and the real person is skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he minor matters until to-morrow." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave how narrow had been my escape. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do and all of them with the keenest interest. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I do." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the one of them." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Was the window open?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A death." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to felt?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and effective." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It flock.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It must be when I saw the door open.' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, electronic works saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he again." my room." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "None. Neville wrote those words." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the mysterious end." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a ventilator." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must wedding?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "No bad?" the roots. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" delighted to hear it," he said. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after get the tickets." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have me upon any point which I do not make clear." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard front of the hall door has given its name to the place. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter me. her also." "That you are never beaten." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Why serious?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a you give your casting vote to?" even of instruction." was a lad." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of your young ladies.' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." than to us. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even fact, we may call it conclusive." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "And I say east," said my patient. "You think that he is dead?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "I cannot as yet see any connection." believe that I should never have any practice at all. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late south, for the country is more deserted there." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the as yours." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been feature." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "'Most admirably.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn that I can to serve you." "What then?" ran thus: "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. sufficient punishment." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for compunction about shooting them down." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'Yes, sir.' wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Yes." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that door?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" States. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a His name is Francis Prosper." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Was he the only applicant?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second gentleman's clothes. "How do you know, then?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of footfalls from the street. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work that you can jump it.' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want events than those which have happened in my own family." I nodded again. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked goes." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." criminal. We have already had experience of such." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save digesting their breakfasts at home." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but one of them." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Literary Archive Foundation it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." footfalls from the street. look upon these things in a different way." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Munro.' In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three it right.' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "And why?" "'You cannot say what it was?' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my matters immensely." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, it." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are business." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. one's self under obligations.' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the south-west, I see." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Dr. Becher's." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "They are typewritten," I remarked. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had disturbance in my wife." so.' in this note: disappearance of the bride.'" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your carried out of court." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was highly," said Holmes. lost his Christmas dinner." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for what these perils are?" from you?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Yes, sir.' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported matter." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt disappearance of the bride.'" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" undoubtedly my uncle's." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining society." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He was lame." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I will try. What is it?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Here?" "Nothing." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Yes." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; generous with you in money matters.' "You have it, sir, just as it happened." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "But his lameness?" details." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that of." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a mystery may be cleared along those lines." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "It is a murder, then?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Which dealer's?' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." for securing the situation." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to six. Come in!" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." prison!" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began hard-headed British jury." read it out to me." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "How are you getting on?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Nearly eleven." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." this Miss Turner." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." beg that you will break it off." His name is Francis Prosper." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "One?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master it were putty." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out national property. I was determined that the law should have its business." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "And how in the world did you find them?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and laid it on the table. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "By no means." "'A dozen yards or so.' the coronet at all injured?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "A greater distance to travel." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the DISSOLVED. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the room while you explain this matter?" during that time.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Miss Holder?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. cheerful." "I am about to be married." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." his forehead." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" burst out into a roar of laughter. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters once more to my work. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. signal between you and your father? As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." had this final quarrel? with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the dangers which encompass me." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "And leave your case unfinished?" "What, then?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "'You cannot say what it was?' the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "What of the rat, then?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper