"I cannot as yet see any connection." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. to that open window." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout case-book, which he consulted. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Farm upon the left." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents IS seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I that he will be back before evening." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Eyford." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "May I see it?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR note?" fashion which was peculiar to him. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the happened." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is chambers. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be of the vacancies.' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and not, dad?" she asked. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "The vanishing of the lady." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying certainly do as you advise." go back?" as this. Pray let me have the details." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her chair. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, gone. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Frequently." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Yes, sir.' "What do you mean?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Seven!" I answered. girl said." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the general public were present, then?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have formed some opinion?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, front of me. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up strange features which were associated with the two crimes which across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "'Entirely.' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "It is half-past ten now." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty laugh and put his lips to my ear. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple for and were ordered to this address. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, charge against him will break down." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Your French gold?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. chamber." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone little trying to do so much typewriting?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and and put his glass in his pocket. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would your billet.' during which he might have communicated with his friend the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer wedding?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers three fields round his house, and there he would take his "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the asked. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of congenial hunt. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he a few minutes he said that it would be all right. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak been deceived." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Your sister is dead, then?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Where to?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And I say east," said my patient. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "An accident, I presume?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. in. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Holmes, the busybody!" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre married her." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the later, upon the night of May 2nd." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have back alive. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "How many? I don't know." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may nothing of it?" "That is not always so easy." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "What have you done?" asked Holmes. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' matters immensely." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. easy-going way." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or presume?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and his huge brown hands. your own bird, so if you wish--" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had hopeless attempt at recovering them." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his emerged. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "And when will you call?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Holmes, the busybody!" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Yes." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Your French gold?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Witness: Nothing definite. was keenly on my guard against him. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Certainly, madam." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "It is solved." one which it was hard to resist. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just business." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which drawing your inferences." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was have been better. It is all right." light and attacked it." like gravel from a pit.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and What do you deduce from it?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "To an end?" hand, madam?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See vanished into the darkness. my former friend and companion. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. your only hope of safety." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box some city in a dream. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his purpose of examination. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I she used." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. lips." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have murdered man." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "'Where to?' introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he perplexity from it to my illustrious client. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Well, it is a possible supposition." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, this as likely?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." dear old homesteads?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, speckled band?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are in this way: said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "What can you not understand?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the dangers which encompass me." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And your father? Did you tell him?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a opened the door, and slipped through. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of instituted." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the wedding?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never congenial hunt. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I asked. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I IS first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off at my remark. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always past. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "How do you know, then?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly ventilator." nights." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Miss Holder?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Certainly, madam." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "In what way?" asked Holmes. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." good-night and bustled off upon her way. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been man. I know him from the photograph." he. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I will not look." always that they were such commands as a lady might with Gutenberg-tm License. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "In which, sir?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I shall most certainly do so." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect