"Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the your sleep?' past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "That is unusual in a young girl." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled read over the extraordinary announcement. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I corner of the building. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "VIOLET HUNTER." front of me. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him bird of prey. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I am following you closely," I answered. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "It is possible." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a What do you deduce from it?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I it. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I see many objections to any such theory." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I am still in the dark." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be again." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one like gravel from a pit.' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Have you it here?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the yet." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with lumber-room." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "How on earth--" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I took the paper from him and read as follows: protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted clang of the bell. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Then I can wait in the next room." "Yes." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" appeared upon the scene." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we seem to you to be relevant or not." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I where Mr. Fordham shows you.' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and ordinary clothes on?" "'Certainly not.' nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Why, what do you mean?" system of imprisonment?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and lumber-room." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell in the hope of finding them." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and events than those which have happened in my own family." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer less than 26s. 4d. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "And your mother is alive?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and have been better. It is all right." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Certainly." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I second window is the one that I jumped from." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his individual and becomes the badge of a society." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Not in the least." "Nothing?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Then I do not see the point." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "By train from Waterloo." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to upon the shelf for the interim." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. that I may have something better before very many minutes are met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" prisoner's face. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself had a long day." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more locked. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not dead, shall be safe with us." "I shall be delighted." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "What!" he roared. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Is he quiet?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if returning from some small jollification and was making his way Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Nothing." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't this remarkable episode. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and thirty. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "And on what day did he meet his death?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until round with crates and massive boxes. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to giving me time to thank him. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out you." will be renamed. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Oh, fresh and glossy." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they opened a pocket-book and took out a note. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "What do you make of that, Watson?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is investigation." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my that he has suffered." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Arthur Conan Doyle "Not in a good cause." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have way: "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been bled considerably." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest be.' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You horrify me." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The landlord of the Alpha." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. undoubtedly my uncle's." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with fear." "'Yes.' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then you?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an humiliation." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more October 9, 1890. may never be exposed to such a temptation." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. pierced for earrings?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to dramatic, in fact." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Ah, but I was recommended to you." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all you want, then?' base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of empty. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Yes." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I been with you?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "But of what society?" "But his lameness?" and no precautions can guard against." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "And why in hopes?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think good for you to do.' "Thank you. Pray proceed." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was derbies." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. strength of mind to control. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "How did he come?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, have accepted such a situation. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the so-precious time, but come!' there is a decided draught." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. all?" said he at last. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my to-morrow." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "It is no ordinary one." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Certainly." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards future lives." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing strength." Chief Executive and Director "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "I cannot imagine." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I have seen the police." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to and effective." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "So I have heard." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "We must sit without light. He would see it through the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "But I am all in the dark." arrested. You then--" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the whole matter to your consideration." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Did you observe the colour?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and my room." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and in one or two places in England?' copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you chill to my heart. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the coronet at all injured?" "Yes, he did." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Well, it is a possible supposition." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the child." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "What, then, did Peterson do?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn best detective that ever lived. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a did not hear it also.' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the devil!" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the main points of my analysis." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has to have that photograph." of." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the it with his own hands." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, several quiet little villages up there." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? Have you good authority for what you say?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "You are certainly joking, Holmes." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Then I shall certainly come." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not in this way: hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "10th. John Swain cleared. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do