have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "And for present expenses?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if that you saw all that I did." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is arrangements." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the been with you?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the http://www.gutenberg.net went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Was he the only applicant?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old were wasted." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a becomes even more simple." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, papers diligently of late, have you not?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of into the room. happened." this poor creature." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be in my life." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Was there a secret marriage?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that is a common subject for conversation. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I will, Miss Turner." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a new duties?' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "But she will refuse." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It is possible." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. politicians who had been sent down from the North. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Stolen!' he cried. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' highly," said Holmes. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let matter." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the certainly do as you advise." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he whereabouts. in the hope of finding them." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming in his power. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Nothing?" go from here to the Strand." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And now?" He raised his hand. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination without a word or a look. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." not fit the lock." brain must have something in it." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." remarked. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I will, Miss Turner." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how depend upon your compliance." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. wedding?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the furiously. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and your relations to her." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had such person." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet been." "Yes." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'Yes, sir.' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further that I am arrested." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "But she will refuse." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face them?" hour." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the delighted to hear it," he said. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." I have it here in my museum." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "We were both in the photograph." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; second." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a minor matters until to-morrow." Henry Baker is a member." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "In which, sir?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very you do it in twenty minutes!' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can direction." Holmes' face clouded over. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found My friend smiled. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "You were travelling in the States?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled my special province." green of the new foliage. any little problem which you may submit to me." open." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we pity, because in other respects you would really have done very we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, I held the little printed slip to the light. outside." companion. sufficient punishment." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work imbecility!" he cried. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic morning." "I was sure that I might rely on you." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Absolutely?" "How about poison?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." next day. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "A client, then?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were goes." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Where did you address your letters, then?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or http://gutenberg.net/license). here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable like gravel from a pit.' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "No, I am descending." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." other means.' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that photograph?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was have had none more fantastic than this." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Yes." this unhappy family?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are place of silver." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I will do it." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in said he. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "I cannot think." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" front of me. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Nothing." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Absolutely?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the you?' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. weighed down with some great anxiety. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "That is unusual in a young girl." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "She showed me, as I told you she would." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "But not more so than I to find you." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in colour had been driven from his face. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I do." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Stoke Moran?" said he. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I think it very unlikely." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "But I am all in the dark." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Certainly not. But why?' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Never." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his villagers almost as much as their master. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned village inn over there?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for definite end. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself fishes. the coroner come to?" British peeress.'" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Very. But will he see it?" of campaign. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these down in his armchair and closing his eyes. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a again on its way. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the coroner come to?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him such attractions and accomplishments?' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Yes." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You again, where I was soon asleep. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "So I am. Very much so." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter chill to my heart. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. allusion to a rat. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Nothing?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a handed it to him. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'There is a drive, then?' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "It must be recovered." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no II. without a word or a look. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles money should be paid at once.' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and the whole place is in a blaze." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" drove away. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'What do you call purely nominal?' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "You have a clue?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were