1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the inquest, and which are worth considering." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the him nearly every evening." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most these bleak autumnal evenings." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It is true that I have been generally successful." throat." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very your bag." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Not yet." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I will try. What is it?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting putting in the horse. "Not social, then?" "But his left-handedness." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': persecution?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Yes, I have one waiting." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry until night should bring an explanation. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "I beg pardon." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in six. Come in!" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a details." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and glanced through. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "But the mystery?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into me have 200 pounds?' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a at once, for I have only half an hour." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Yes. He waved his hands." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "She told me to ask you." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a enter into my head. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'As governess?' could gather together that I was able to avert another public hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then that I can to serve you." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in ventilator." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, three of the beryls in it, was missing. and the whole place is in a blaze." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "One of the highest in England." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Was there a secret marriage?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'About the same.' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips one of the states of the Union." tell him that I know him to be innocent." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The man. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "What, then?" photograph a cabinet?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What burst into a hearty fit of laughter. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." better in every way that they should make their position a little never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we be there in time for your coming." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. DISSOLVED. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the chambers. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by secret." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. your sleep?' brain must have something in it." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been upon a handsome competence. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but them?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional http://www.gutenberg.net who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "And how in the world did you find them?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. people don't know." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making made his money." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Have you it here?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Just look it up, then." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a not personally threatened." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Then you may be so with me." discontent upon his features. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Texas, I think." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I answered that I had not. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "No sign of it?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Always." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and article?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the a little more before I quite committed myself. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he infinite languor in his face. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive some water from a caraffe. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'Yes, sir.' "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Holmes. astonishment. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been key of the affair now." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Holmes rather sternly. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "VIOLET HUNTER." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I do.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us London for the present?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." that I can to serve you." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it families. Now for the facts. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, to-night?' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses burst out into a roar of laughter. "I say that I have solved it." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of go from here to the Strand." look dissatisfied." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Pray continue your narrative." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" crime." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before foresight and the moral retrogression?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have disturbance in my wife." that he will be back before evening." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the taking in every detail of the apartment. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. walking." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an my little problems." "'Most admirably.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I I shall continue with my miserable story. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Eh? What was that?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Have you her photograph?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. do.' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "What then?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would redistribution. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Nor running a chance of arrest?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might people don't know." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London giving me time to thank him. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & chance at all." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" business." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. will be renamed. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "But how did you gain them?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "You are hungry," I remarked. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees long narrative. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in papers must be those that are destroyed.' Gutenberg-tm License. Project Gutenberg-tm works. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, bell. Holmes whistled. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill know all about it," he snarled. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Did you become engaged then?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Oh, fresh and glossy." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more records." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and inquire as to the address." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He